Brookside Guide.....Season Forty Three.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FORTY-THREE (48 episodes)
[Episodes 1716-1763]

The episodes:

Episode 1716 (F 19-04-96 "Gunboat Diplomacy") Written by Nick Saltrese - David and Katie wonder whether they should call the police when belongings start flying through the windows of another house on the Close. Ron tries to keep his temper, and avoid being splattered by pigeons, in London. Terry may be acquiring a new lodger.

Episode 1717 (T 23-04-96 "This Is It") Written by Julie Jones - Lee wants nothing more to do with Eddie and Rosie. When Sammy has another hangover, David finds Louise trying to make her own breakfast. Ron receives a fax, but doesn't read it carefully enough. There is another garage sale on the Close.

Episode 1718 (W 24-04-96 "Separation") Written by Valerie Windsor - After seven years of marriage, the Farnhams cannot decide who the Dire Straits CD belongs to. David and Sinbad attempt to install a lawn sprinkler, and there is a case of mistaken identity in the bathroom.

Episode 1719 (F 26-04-96 "Hopes") Written by Chris Webb - Susannah visits Patricia. Eddie and Rosie go their separate ways.......or do they? Katie has had enough of looking after Louise, and so has David - but Sammy goes out anyway. Word comes through that one of the prisoners in Thailand will be released, but who will it be?

Episode 1720 (T 30-04-96 "Losing Battle") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jacqui tells Sammy about the problems Katie has been having. Max makes a final effort to persuade Patricia to stay. Jimmy vows to continue fighting to secure another release from Thailand.

Episode 1721 (W 01-05-96 "Prospective Buyers") Written by Nick Saltrese - David is keen for Jacqui to buy the Banks' house so that he can use his own bathroom more often. But Sinbad is interested in both the house and the "Gift Box" premises, where he may be in competition with Bev. Meanwhile, Susannah is looking for somewhere to stay.......

Episode 1722 (F 03-05-96 "Inside Info") Written by Nick Saltrese - Lindsey can't bring herself to leave the house, but Jimmy has a plan to coax her out. Jacqui and Sinbad both try to find out how much the other is willing to bid for number 9. Susannah tells Max that Dil has stopped paying the rent on her flat, so she will have to move out.

Episode 1723 (T 07-05-96 "Something Fishy") Written by Julie Rutterford - David moves in with Max, but leaves his statue of the Balinese God with the girls, despite their protestations that he might more greatly appreciate its artistic beauty. Katie threatens to report Sammy to the social services if she doesn't start looking after Louise properly. Sinbad finds Lindsey in a state of panic after a confrontation with Ron and Bev.

Episode 1724 (W 08-05-96 "Bluffing") Written by Julie Rutterford - After hearing the rumours Bev is spreading, Jimmy decides not to campaign for Mike's release any more, and Jackie slaps her across the face. Susannah lands at Max's with the children - and David, in Max's absence, lets them stay. Sinbad and Jacqui continue to try to discourage each other from bidding for number 9, but someone's effort at sabotage does not go unnoticed.

Episode 1725 (F 10-05-96 "Ceilings") Written by Peter Cox - Jimmy offers Ron everything he has left in the Thailand fund - £12,000 - but will Ron accept it? David discovers that his valuable work of ethnic art was made rather closer to home than he imagined. Max finds that he is not alone in his bathroom, and it is the day of the auction. Who will become the new owner of number 9?

Episode 1726 (T 14-05-96 "No-one To Play With") Written by Chris Webb - Terry is looking for bar staff, and there is no shortage of applicants, but are they suitable? Ron wants to follow Lindsey to catch Gary, but no-one else is willing to help. Susannah tries to tempt Max to stay in for the night, and a new family move into the Close.

Episode 1727 (W 15-05-96 "Gi's A Job") Written by Chris Webb - Terry interviews for the new bar job. Gary tries to explain his actions to Lindsey, and offers her a deal. Bel gets off on the wrong foot with Bev by mistaking Ron for her father.

Episode 1728 (F 17-05-96 "Suitably Embarrassed") Written by Barry Woodward - Ollie tells Danny that he has to get up early to do a paper round. Mick helps Sinbad on a buying trip which takes longer than expected. Jackie is concerned when Lindsey goes missing again. David and Susannah insists that Max joins them for supper at the Simpsons', but will Max be able to remember how many times he has been married?

Episode 1729 (T 21-05-96 "Top Brass") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jimmy and Ron take Gary to the police station, but what action will the police take this time? The arrival of the Bradleys means good news for Sinbad, but maybe not such good news for Bel and Ollie. Jackie is appalled to hear Lindsey's plans.

Episode 1730 (W 22-05-96 "Tinhead") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jimmy doesn't think he has a chance of getting a job at the petrol station, so Jackie applies instead. Danny has problems at his new school. Susannah tells Max they should wash separately as well as live separately, but will he listen?

Episode 1731 (F 24-05-96 "Housekeeper") Written by Maurice Bessman - Mick interrupts a fight between Danny and Tinhead, but who will Leo blame it on? Max's reluctance to co-operate with Susannah forces her into appointing a housekeeper who he may not have chosen. There are only two seats available on the Bangkok flight, so who will go with Ron?

Episode 1732 (T 28-05-96 "Compassion") Written by Nick Saltrese - DD suggests that the family go to pray together for Mike, but Bev declines. Bel and Ollie tell David they have been treated frostily by one of their neighbours - but which one? Jackie goes to ask Max for a job for Jimmy, causing arguments in both households.

Episode 1733 (W 29-05-96 "For A Small Fee") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sinbad finds a part-time book-keeper, at a price. Jackie is still searching for a job for Jimmy, and may at last have made progress. Lindsey blames herself for what has happened to Mike, and intends to stay with Gary.

Episode 1734 (F 31-05-96 "Dumbells") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sinbad tries a spot of match-making with Mick and Val. Mike is determined to see Lindsey again, but there are still some obstacles to overcome. When Nat doesn't contact Jules for a week, she visits the Close to find out why.

Episode 1735 (T 04-06-96 "Time To Move On") Written by Julie Jones - Bel discovers Danny is still at home, and insists that he goes back to school. Bev is frustrated by DD's continued presence and influence. Georgia tells her mother that she has made a big mistake. Susannah is determined to win Max back, but he is trying to find a flat to move her into, and ends up having to move out himself.

Episode 1736 (W 05-06-96 "Services Not Required") Written by Shaun Duggan - Danny is still not going to school, and encourages Leo to join him. Jimmy is not made welcome when he takes over Sinbad's window round - Jacqui blames him when Katie's watch goes missing, Ron sends him packing, Susannah makes the decisions at number 7 now that Max has moved out, and he interrupts a surprisingly tender moment between Georgia and Nat.

Episode 1737 (F 07-06-96 "Taking An Interest") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jackie sends Jimmy away to work for Billy in Basingstoke. Danny attempts to educate Leo. Nat wants to look at a flat, but Georgia comes too, and they are surprised to discover someone is already living there. Mick visits Val at her gym, but she is asking a lot of questions about Sinbad. Sammy's attempts to get Max alone are thwarted.

Episode 1738 (T 11-06-96 "Cuckoo In The Nest") Written by Chris Webb - Max and David decide to regain entry to number 7, but they discover that the locks have been changed. Sinbad now knows Val's motives, and must decide whether to take the bait. Mick receives a visitor bringing unbelievable news about Leo. Georgia tells Bel that she has left her husband and is moving back home.

Episode 1739 (W 12-06-96 "Humble Pie") Written by Valerie Windsor - Max is forced to summon help when the VATman swoops, and it could cost him dearly. Called to the headmaster, Mick confronts the Simpsons, but they don't believe Leo's story. Jackie realises that Lindsey is desperately unhappy to be back with Gary.

Episode 1740 (F 14-06-96 "Reasons Why") Written by Valerie Windsor - Lindsey tells Gary she will stay with him as promised, but romance is out of the question. Bel feels that she should explain to Danny why he has to go to Brookside Comprehensive, but Ollie refuses to let her. It is Sammy's birthday - and, suspecting that she has a crush on Max, Susannah asks him to get her a present.......

Episode 1741 (T 18-06-96 "Firm Grip") Written by Julie Rutterford - Nat wants to bring the wedding forward, but Jules win't let him. Jackie is horrified by the state that Lindsey turns up in, and vows to take action. Susannah wants Max to give her more involvement in the restaurant. Val asks Sinbad on a date, but then he meets someone else.......

Episode 1742 (W 19-06-96 "Whoops") Written by Julie Rutterford - Max finds it difficult to explain to David how he ended up in bed with Susannah again. Bev agrees to keep quiet about something she finds out from Jackie, but will she? Jules confides in Georgia about a delicate problem Nat is having.

Episode 1743 (F 21-06-96 "Separate Ways") Written by Julie Rutterford - Val gives Mick something to think about. Nat is amazed to hear what Jules has told Georgia. Mike asks Lindsey to promise not to go back to Gary, and considers moving to America. Sammy's plans for Max look likely to succeed.

Episode 1744 (T 25-06-96 "Madly In Love") Written by Maurice Bessman - Both Val and Fee are chasing Sinbad, and Mick isn't amused. Danny has another idea about how to reduce Leo's workload. Nat objects when Georgia wants to join him in the shower. Ron and Jackie decide to try to bring Mike and Lindsey together, and Sammy tells Susannah she has slept with Max.

Episode 1745 (W 26-06-96 "Consideration") Written by Maurice Bessman - Bel gets a job offer. Max suggests that Susannah lets Sammy go - but she knows why! Martin arrives to see Georgia, but will she be willing to talk to him? Ron tries to solve the parking problem, and Sinbad has an excess of both admirers and lunches.

Episode 1746 (F 28-06-96 "My Fault") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jackie tries to convince Lindsey to go to the party-for-two that she and Ron have arranged. When Bel's job offer is withdrawn, she tells Ron what he can do with his bollard. Sammy is furious when Max sacks her, and when Leo gets a good grade for the homework Danny obtained for him, Tinhead wants to join in.

Episode 1747 (T 02-07-96 "No Porking") Written by Julie Jones - Susannah discovers that Max has sacked Sammy, and reinstates her. Tinhead gets an "A" for his homework, but still isn't satisfied. Sinbad's women make him do too much exercise on the tennis court and dance floor, and Ron disapproves of Bev's attempts to help resolve the parking problems.

Episode 1748 (W 03-07-96 "Making Excuses") Written by Chris Webb - Mick tells Val he is now taking steroid tablets, but she isn't convinced that it is a good idea. Mike receives a tempting offer, Jacqui returns from Tenerife, and David prepares to go to France, believing that Patricia should be told what has been going on at home.

Episode 1749 (F 05-07-96 "Need To Get Away") Written by Chris Webb - Georgia can't believe that Nat doesn't need her any more. Danny plans to turn the tables on Tinhead, but Leo thinks he may be making a big mistake. Susannah gives Max a chance to be honest, but he denies having any relationship with Sammy. Mike and Lindsey go to the beach.

Episode 1750 (T 09-07-96 "Going Going Gone") Written by Julie Rutterford - Bel and Ollie are concerned when Georgia doesn't come home. Then Ollie discovers that Bev has clamped his car. Thanks to Susannah, the residents find that there are a lot of real bargains to be had at the charity auction.

Episode 1751 (W 10-07-96 "No Ties") Written by Julie Rutterford - Max returns home, and discovers that a lot of his neighbours are wearing his clothes. Katie tries to convince Sammy that history is repeating itself. Mike and Lindsey go shopping for rings, but come back with something else.

Episode 1752 (F 12-07-96 "Repeat Performance") Written by Julie Rutterford - Jacqui wants to telephone Social Services about Sammy, but Katie believes it is too much of a risk. Susannah suggests to Max that she should leave, but he asks her to stay. Tinhead is furious when he discovers that he has been set up. Ollie tries to cheer Nat up with a Georgia-free night out.

Episode 1753 (T 16-07-96 "Coward") Written by Roy Boulter - Jimmy starts work at the pizza parlour. When Georgia returns, Nat has to admit that she was right about Jules. Although Danny escapes from Tinhead, Leo is beaten up, and Mick's reaction looks likely to lead to more trouble.

Episode 1754 (W 17-07-96 "Flying Colours") Written by Shaun Duggan - When Ollie asks Mick for an explanation of the incident involving Danny, and receives some of the same treatment, Val confides in Sinbad that Mick is taking steroids. Jacqui and Peter have high hopes for the Hair Fayre, but Bev and Fee muscle in on their chat with the judge, and Max and Susannah don't get quite the kind of publicity that they expect.

Episode 1755 (F 19-07-96 "Moralising") Written by Shaun Duggan - Both Bev and Jackie have ideas for the engagement buffet, but can they reach a compromise? Susannah demands proof of Sammy's latest assertion, but can she deliver it? Sinbad's efforts to help Mick are not appreciated.

Episode 1756 (T 23-07-96 "Old Tricks") Written by Barry Woodward - JC wants to sort out some wedding details, but Nat is more intent on stalling. Half of Mike and Lindsey's families are refusing to attend their engagement party, and the other half are still arguing about it.

Episode 1757 (W 24-07-96 "Serves You Right") Written by Barry Woodward - After the engagement party fiasco, the Dixons' and Corkhills' next disagreement is over where the nearly-weds will live. Mick takes part in his body-building competition, but Leo doesn't want to go, hopes he loses, and is pleased when he injures himself. Max and Susannah confront Sammy again, and Katie forces her to tell the truth.

Episode 1758 (F 26-07-96 "Rings") Written by Barry Woodward - Susannah discovers Matthew and Emily's hidden school reports and worries that they need extra tuition, but agrees with Max that their holiday will go ahead. There is a gate-crasher at the Simpsons' wedding rehearsal, but that's not the only hitch.

Episode 1759 (T 30-07-96 "Double Booked") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick arranges to have a body-wax at Jacqui's, but has second thoughts when he discovers who will be doing it. The Farnhams' journey to the Cotswolds is full of vomit and "plop" - and when they arrive, they find that their holiday cottage is already occupied.

Episode 1760 (W 31-07-96 "Cotswolds Vice") Written by Barry Woodward - Val has plans for a holiday that include Sinbad, and she won't take no for an answer. Mike wants to interview people for a film about his experiences - but Jimmy is already being interviewed elsewhere. Nat wants to be alone with Georgia - but will his plans be frustrated by the Farnhams?

Episode 1761 (F 02-08-96 "Misjudgement") Written by Barry Woodward - Mike and Lindsey are about to set off on holiday to America, but he wants to record an interview with her first. Jackie insists that Jimmy grasses on Macca to save his own job. There is a major surprise awaiting Max when he returns unexpectedly to the cottage.

Episode 1762 (T 06-08-96 "The Great Soprendo") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jimmy is still worrying about Macca, but Nat is much more worried that Max will tell his parents what he has seen. Can he produce a convincing explanation for why he was having sex with his sister?

Episode 1763 (W 07-08-96 "Poor Jules") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sammy tells a lie in order to entice Noel back. And, on Nat and Jules' wedding day, someone makes a dramatic entrance when the vicar asks whether there are any known impediments.......

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Eddie Banks - PAUL BROUGHTON (1716, 1717, 1719)
Rosie Banks (nee McGee) - SUSAN TWIST (1716, 1717, 1719)
Lee Banks - MATTHEW LEWNEY (1716, 1717, 1719)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1716, 1717, 1719, 1720, 1722-1725, 1727-1730, 1732-1734, 1736, 1737, 1739, 1741-1744, 1746, 1747, 1750, 1753, 1755, 1756, 1758, 1761, 1762)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1716, 1717, 1719-1730, 1732, 1733, 1736, 1737, 1750-1753, 1756-1763)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1716-1729, 1731-1733, 1737, 1738, 1740, 1742, 1746, 1748, 1749)
Sammy Daniels (nee Rogers) - RACHAEL LINDSAY (1716, 1717, 1719-1721, 1723, 1725-1727, 1730-1732, 1737, 1740, 1743-1757, 1759-1763)
Louise Daniels (1716, 1717, 1721, 1723, 1750, 1752, 1757, 1759, 1762)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O'Farrell) - IRENE MAROT (1717, 1719-1722, 1731-1734, 1736, 1753)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1716, 1717, 1719-1726, 1729-1736, 1741-1747, 1750, 1753, 1756, 1757)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1716, 1719-1725, 1732, 1735, 1736, 1748, 1752-1754, 1759)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1732-1737, 1742-1744, 1746-1751, 1753, 1756, 1757, 1760, 1761)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1718, 1720-1726, 1728, 1730-1733, 1735-1749, 1751-1755, 1757-1763)
Patricia Farnham (nee Crosbie) - GABRIELLE GLAISTER (1717-1720)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (1719-1722, 1724-1726, 1728, 1730-1733, 1735-1742, 1744-1755, 1757-1763)
Emily Farnham - VICTORIA BENNETT (1724, 1725, 1744, 1748, 1751, 1755, 1759-1761)
Matthew Farnham - GARETH RYAN JONES (1724, 1725, 1744, 1748, 1751, 1755, 1759-1761)
Thomas Farnham - KIERAN WARHAM (1720)
Alice Farnham - ANNA NORBURY (1720)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1721, 1722, 1724, 1728, 1729, 1731, 1733, 1734, 1737-1741, 1743-1745, 1748, 1750-1761)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1751)
Leo Johnson - LEEON SAWYER (1730, 1731, 1733, 1734, 1736-1738, 1740, 1744, 1746-1749, 1751-1753, 1756, 1757, 1761-1763)
Rachel Jordache - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (1719, 1721, 1722, 1727, 1752, 1754, 1755)
Bev McLoughlin - SARAH WHITE (1716, 1717, 1719-1725, 1727, 1730-1733, 1735, 1736, 1742, 1745, 1747, 1750, 1751, 1753-1756)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1716, 1719-1726, 1735, 1736, 1750-1752, 1754-1757, 1759, 1760)
Bel Simpson (nee Pattison) - LESLEY NIGHTINGALE (1726-1735, 1738-1742, 1744-1750, 1752, 1754-1756, 1758, 1759, 1762, 1763)
Ollie Simpson - MICHAEL J JACKSON (1725-1730, 1732-1734, 1739, 1740, 1746, 1748, 1750-1752, 1754, 1755, 1758, 1762, 1763) [ Previously Alan Jones (1260) ]
Georgia Simpson - HELEN GRACE (1734-1739, 1741-1746, 1748, 1749, 1753, 1755, 1759-1761, 1763)
Nat Simpson - JOHN SANDFORD (1726, 1728-1730, 1734-1739, 1741-1746, 1749, 1751-1756, 1758-1763)
Danny Simpson - ANDREW BUTLER (1726-1731, 1733-1737, 1739, 1740, 1744, 1746-1749, 1751-1754, 1762, 1763)
Jules Simpson (nee Bradley) - SARAH WITHE (1726, 1728-1730, 1734, 1735, 1737, 1741-1743, 1746, 1747, 1751, 1752, 1756, 1758, 1759, 1762, 1763)
Lindsey Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (1719-1729, 1731, 1733, 1734, 1737-1744, 1746-1751, 1753, 1756, 1757, 1760, 1761)
Kylie Stanlow (1719-1723, 1726-1728, 1731, 1739, 1742, 1748, 1757)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (1716, 1717, 1719, 1721, 1722, 1726, 1727, 1730, 1735, 1740, 1743, 1759)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1718, 1722-1729, 1731, 1733, 1734, 1736-1739, 1741-1745, 1747, 1751, 1752, 1754-1757, 1760)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1717, 1719, 1722, 1740, 1749, 1750, 1758, 1763)
Cracker, dog - KELLY MALONE (1717, 1724 OOV, 1750, 1752)
Paul Heery - GRAEME EDLER (1762)
Mo McGee - TINA MALONE (1721, 1730, 1740, 1743, 1749, 1760-1763)
James Payne MP - COLIN KERRIGAN (1716, 1719, 1722, 1732)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (1716, 1736, 1741, 1748, 1754, 1759)
Gary Stanlow - ANDREW FILLIS (1725-1729, 1731, 1734, 1738-1741, 1743)
Mr Dick Thornton - GRAHAM SEED (1740)
"Big Davey" Tilston - TIM STERN (1742)
Val Walker - PAULINE FLEMING (1731, 1734, 1737-1739, 1741, 1743, 1745, 1747, 1748, 1750, 1754, 1757, 1760)

NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Russell Jenkins - SIMON MOLLOY (1725) [ Mr Hulme (119) ]
Mrs Karen Richmond - KATHRYN GEORGE (1738) [ Barmaid (519) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Anne Bradley - FAITH BROWN (1729, 1763)
John "JC" Bradley - KEN SHARROCK (1729, 1756, 1758, 1762, 1763)
Martin Cathcart - JAMES D'ARCY (1745)
Nicholas Chambers - JEROME WILLIS (1716)
Tom Evans (1736, stand-in)
Kevin "Macca" MacDonald - JULIAN KERRIDGE (1756-1758, 1760, 1761)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (1730, 1731, 1735, 1746-1749, 1752, 1753, 1762, 1763)
Fee Phelan - JACKIE DOWNEY (1741, 1745, 1747, 1754)
Noel Stones - ADAM LEVY (1762, 1763)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Bennet, reporter - IAN KERSHAW (1756)
Detective Sergeant Rattigan - MARK DREWRY (1759, 1760)
Vicar - MICHAEL CHRISTOPHER (1758, 1763)

APPEARING AS HIMSELF: ANDREW COLLINGE (1754)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Amy, a stylist (1754)
Angie, another stylist (1754)
Carol, a waitress (1748)
Cheryl, who works in a shoe shop (1730)
Mrs Dawson, a salon customer (1748)
Degga, a mate of Leo (1730)
Jed, another mate of Leo (1730)
Constable Lewis (1759)
Liz, a friend of Max (1724)
Pauline, who works in a supermarket (1730)
Rich, a kid (1755)
Robbie, a bodybuilder (1743)
Mrs Rushbrooke, a salon customer (1736)
Mrs Sedgewick, an old widow (1728)
Simon, a friend of Max (1724)
Ted, a white goods seller (1722)

The Magic Rabbits are seen again, watched by Kylie, in episode 1732; and their music is heard again in episode 1748, when Matthew and Emily come home and turn on the television.

The storylines:

This season includes the debut of Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary, who will still be around at the very end of the series more than seven years later; and the departure of the Banks family. Patricia also leaves Max again, and goes to live with Jean in France - but he rapidly acquires another family, as Susannah, Matthew and Emily move back in with him. Sinbad is not short of female company either, gaining both Jackie's sister Val and Peter's sister Fee as girlfriends, and opening a shop on the Parade. Jacqui's salon wins an award, Sammy begins to neglect Louise, and Jackie and Jimmy get back together after he makes a real effort to make an honest living for once. Lindsey and Mike are both eventually released from their Thailand jail, and plan to marry, once Jackie has convinced her daughter not to go back to Gary. And Mick becomes obsessed with body-building, and starts taking steroids, which affect his moods and cause conflict with new arrivals, the Simpsons. Ollie's wife Bel has lost her job, meaning that the family have to move to a much smaller home, and can no longer afford to send younger son Danny to grammar school, just as the wedding of older son Nat to his insipid fiancee Jules is approaching. However, the rest of the family do not know something that some of their new neighbours accidentally discover - Nat is secretly having an incestuous relationship with his sister, Georgia.......

The dates:

It is the end of April in episode 1717; based on dialogue in episode 1721, it is Friday in episode 1722; and it is Thursday in episode 1723. Based on dialogue in episode 1727, it is Friday in episode 1728; based on dialogue in episode 1731, it is Monday in episode 1733; and, based on dialogue in episode 1736, it is Friday in episode 1737, when, according to a poster on the wall, it is "Summer '96". Based on dialogue in episode 1739, it is Friday in episode 1740; it is Friday in episode 1749; and, based on posters promoting the auction, it is 9th July in episode 1750. The Hair Fayre 1996, which is "tomorrow" in episode 1753, takes place in episode 1754; it is Tuesday in episode 1756; and, based on dialogue in episode 1756, it is Friday in episode 1758. Based on dialogue in episodes 1741, 1748 and 1762, it is 5th August in episode 1761, 6th August in episode 1762 and 7th August in episode 1763. When the VATman visits Max in episode 1739, he is given files for 94/95 and 95/96, and the September 1995 receipts have been mislaid.

Name-checks:

"U2" (1718); "Dire Straits" (1718); Mark Knopfler (1718); Harry Enfield (1718); "Blind Date" (1719); "Masterchef" (1719); the "Rolling Stones" (1720); "Rasputin" (1720); "Wee Willie Winkie" (1721); Donald [Where's Your Troosers] (1721); Paul Gascoigne, footballer (1723); Betty Ford (1723); "Jackanory" (1723); Howard Hughes (1724); Mother Teresa (1724); "Tweedledum and Tweedledee" (1724); Rip van Winkle (1725); "Bart" [Simpson] (1725); "Homer" [Simpson] (1725, 1726, 1728, 1731, 1744, 1745); the "Lone Ranger" (1726); the "Famous Five" (1726); Bob Hope (1727); Richard Burton (1728); Margaret Thatcher / "Maggie" (1728); Arthur Scargill (1728); "Grange Hill" (1729); "The Man In The Iron Mask" (1729); Klinsmann, footballer (1730); "Doddy" [Ken Dodd] (1730); "Brucie" [Bruce Forsyth] (1730); Mike Tyson (1730, 1732, 1752); Nelson Mandela (1732); "Red Rum" (1732); Henry Kissinger (1732); George Formby (1733); Rockefeller (1733); The Queen of Sheeba (1733); "Lord Snooty" (1735, 1763); Hitler (1735, 1746); "Carpenters", musicians (1735); Barbara Cartland (1736); Duncan Ferguson, footballer (1736); Helena and Naomi, famous models (1736); Bamber Gascoigne (1736); Fred, weatherman (1737); Ronnie Corbett (1737); "Roots" (1737); Bold, Rodney, Thomas and Seal, slave traders after whom streets were named (1737); the "Duckworths" [of "Coronation Street"] (1738); Pythagoras (1738); "The Three Billy-Goats Gruff" (1738); Picasso (1738); Al Pacino (1739); Fred Astaire / Fred and Ginger (1740 / 1763); David Niven (1740); O.J. Simpson (1740); Jeremy Beadle (1741); Charles Atlas (1741); Pavarotti (1741); Jackie Onassis (1742); "Cats" (1742); Tom Cruise (1743, 1749); Jean-Paul Gaultier (1743); John Peel (1743); Jim Reeves (1743); "The Incredible Hulk" (1746); Maeve Binchie, author (1746); "Cilla" [Black] (1747, 1762); Einstein (1747); [Andre] Agassi (1747); the "Clampetts" / "Jed" (1748, 1750 / 1750); Carmen Miranda (1748); "Rupert the Bear" (1750); Frank Sinatra (1750); "Hulk Hogan" (1752); "Miss Honeypenny" (1754); "This Morning" (1754); "Richard and Judy" (1754); "Rambo" (1754); "Ena Sharples" (1754); Princess Di (1754); [Gerry and] the Pacemakers (1756); "King Kong" (1756); "The Three Bears" (1759); Richard Gere (1761); Mickey Moyse (1761); "The Great Soprendo" (1762); Dustin Hoffman (1763).

Locations:

Although the majority of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, there are also scenes set in, and recorded at, London (1716), Manchester Airport (1719), the Cotswolds (1759, 1760, 1761), and at unidentified locations somewhere between Liverpool and the Cotswolds, as the Farnhams make a few stops on their way there in attempts to minimise little accidents and vomit on the velour (1759).

Births:

None. It is Sammy's 24th birthday today in episode 1740, and it is Gemma's birthday in episode 1751. The unnamed girl Mike brings home in episode 1736 is 19, and Jean-Luc, Alice's "older man" in France, is 4 (1751). We are also told that Kylie is 3, according to Ron (1716); Sinbad is 39 (1718) / nearly 40 (1721, 1726); Lee is 16 (1719); Rachel is under 18 (1727); Danny is 14 (1734, 1738, 1762); Leo is 14 (1734); Mike is 22 (1735); Louise is 4 (1761); Josh was born on Christmas Day (1731); and Nat and Georgia were born at exactly the same time - 12:09 - eighteen months apart (1763), and are respectively Leo and Aries (1761).

Marriages:

One - Nathan Oliver Simpson marries Julie Diana Bradley in episode 1763. It is two months till the wedding, which is "in August" (1741); and it is "on 7th August" (1748) / "in three weeks" (1755) / "next week" (1759) / "by this time next week" (1761) / "tomorrow" (1762). It is David and Jean's 42nd wedding anniversary in episode 1740; and we are also told that Eddie and Rosie have been married for 23 years (1717); Max and Patricia have been married for seven years (1717, 1718); Georgia and Martin have been married for six months (1735, 1736); Andrew Collinge has been married to Liz for five years (1754); and it is eight years since Max and Susannah's (first) honeymoon (1758).

Deaths:

None. The only unseen characters mentioned who are no longer alive are Mrs Sedgewick's husband, who died last year (1728); Julia's mother (1740); and Tinhead's father, Tommy "Trouble" O'Leary, who JC remembers once broke the nose of one of his chargehands (1762).

Toilet visits:

Two pigeons, on Ron (1716); David (1721 twice, and 1722); Jacqui (1723); Jules (1729, 1737 and 1752); Val (1737); Lindsey (1737); Georgia (1744); Martin (1745); Jackie (1746); Susannah (1750); Jimmy (1753, 1756 and 1760); an unnamed man (1757); Matthew (1759); Emily (1759); and Noel (1762). Both potential housebuyers have toilets on their mind in episode 1725 - Jacqui says she can't stop going, whereas Sinbad doesn't have time to!

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

Tinhead's mother (1747); and Susannah's mother (1759).

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

Sarah (1716, 1717, 1719); Carl (1716, 1717, 1719); Josh (1717, 1724, 1735, 1736, 1744, 1756); Joey (1717, 1719); Ruth/ie (1718, 1726, 1737, 1760); The Jordaches (1719), including Mandy Jordache (1722, 1737, 1741, 1761); Becca (1719); Jean (1719, 1740, 1746, 1748, 1749); Owen (1719, 1723, 1744, 1752); Simon (1720, 1743); Tony (1720, 1732, 1735); Sue (1721); Danny (1721); Barry Grant (1721, 1724); Dil (1722); The Chois (1724); Lyn (1731); Billy (1737, 1750, 1758); Sheila (1737); Jenny (1738); Trevor Jordache (1741); Marianne (1744); Ellis (1744); Tim [Derby] (1751); Greg Salter (1751); Kiev and his little mates (1755); Gerry [Marsden] (1756); and Bing's brother, who topped himself (1756).

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

Mr Nyong of the Thai Embassy (1716); P.J. Slavin, assistant to James Payne (1717); Joey's missus (1717); Jane, lesbian (1718); Paul Gascoigne, building society manager (1723); Eleanor and Sara, happily married friends of Max (1724); Paul and Roger, contacts of Max (1726); "Saracen", the Simpsons' former horse (1727); Jonathan, a friend of Danny (1727, 1728); Kelly, a friend of Lindsey (1727); Mr Farrell, newsagent (1728); Philippa and her mother, who Matthew and Emily are with (1728); Stan, who works for J.C. in a place off Prescott Road (1729); Brian Parsons, Cliff Williams and Graham, unavailable friends of Max (1730); Stephanie, an employee of Max at "Grants" (1731); "Steevo", a teacher (1731); Toni, whose hen night Jacqui and Peter went to in Warrington (1736); Mrs Merton, Leo's teacher (1737); "Woodsy", games teacher (1738); Big Davey's brother in Rotterdam (1742, 1760); Jerry, gym owner and source of steroids (1743); Steve Forbes, who works with Georgia (1744); Tessa, Bel's string-puller (1745); Melanie, a salon worker who has been dumped by her "latest" (1748); "Hughesy", Leo and Danny's geography teacher (1748, 1749); David Jennings, Bel's former boss (1748); Jean-Luc, Alice's friend (1751); Andrew Collinge's wife Liz (1754); Ollie's parents/family (1755, 1757), including Nat and Georgia's grandfather (1755, 1759, 1760, 1762); John, a friend of Nat (1754); Simon, John's flatmate, who has been Nat's mate since primary school (1756) and is back-packing in Greece (1756, 1759) until September (1756); Nick, an atheist, and Howie Carr, who has a job in Denmark, other rejected suggestions for best man (1756, 1758); the Rutherfords, friends of Max and Susannah (1757, 1758); Frank, a bouncer at "La Luz" (1757); Mrs Mercer, who has told Julia to speak to the vicar (1758); Stan, another bouncer at "La Luz" (1760); Sandra, a barmaid at "La Luz" (1760, 1761); Tommy and Bollo, mates of Leo (1761); Gordon, who works with Jackie at the garage (1761); and Tim, yet another unavailable best man (1762).

Goofs:

Lindsey's second, third and fourth words are in the wrong order in episode 1721: "Mike's all out there on his own.".

Val says she has no children in episode 1737, contradicting dialogue from episode 1169 in which Jackie mentioned that she had.

Max omits "or" in episode 1738: "This is my house, and one way another I'm gonna get in".

Sammy omits "over-" in episode 1740: "After this -55's do......."

Mick's second and third words are in the wrong order in episode 1745: "I just won't be knocking on doors.".

Bel pluralises an extra word in episode 1748: "On some diplomatics relations course".

Susannah's meaning is clear, but her words are garbled, in episode 1759: "If we don't get a move on, we'll have all jammed up at the M5 junction".

Val is torn between "about" and "to do with" in episode 1760: "Was it anything to do about Mick attacking that posh bloke opposite you?".

Trivia:

The Banks' sale raises £107.43 (1717). On the caricature Lee draws of then, he dates the lottery cheque "11 October 1995" (1719). The sign outside number 9 in episodes 1719, 1720, 1721 and 1722 names their estate agents as "Haskayne Brimstage", and bears the telephone number 0151 269 4000. The removals van which arrives to collect what remains of their furniture in episode 1720 bears the name "A.J LEWIS, REMOVALS" and the telephone number 0151 420 4433. The auctioneer, who reveals that the "PT" marking on David's statue does not mean that it was sculpted by "Paran Tatang", but was actually manufactured in Port Talbot, is from Russell Jenkins & Co, Residential & Commerical Surveys and Valuations, whose telephone number is 0151 692 6149 (1725). The same number is also shown, above 0802 800035, in Jimmy's telephone book, and is called by Jackie to reach Big Davey, in episode 1742 - and it had also previously been Bev's friend Janice's telephone number in episode 1613!! The house is sold to the Simpsons for £45,000 (1725), and a "SOLD" banner has been added to the sign when it is seen again in episode 1726.

Ollie's daily newspaper is the "Guardian" (1733); his middle initial is "J", so he had the name "O.J. Simpson" long before someone else did (1740); and he is the manager of a branch of "Elton's Books" (1728). Bel used to be the Soft Furnishings buyer at "Niven's" (1728, 1746, 1748, 1756), and is offered (1746), then no longer offered (1748), a job in the fabric department of "Millards" (1742, 1746, 1748). Ollie and Bel met at university (1730); Ollie was late for his wedding after his stag night, which was three days in Dublin (1752); and they moved to Fornby from Brighton six years ago (1728). Their removalists are J Hebblewhite, Removals and Storage, telephone 01704 951674 (1726). JC has ordered matching rings for Nat and Jules, his only daughter (1758), from "Falconer and Carr's" (1758). Nat, who is in the second year of his degree (1730), and is studying architecture (1729, 1744) / the Bauhaus movement (1739), is marrying Jules at St Michael's church (1756), after knowing her for six months (1730) - but he has has been having a sexual relationship for six years (1759) with his sister, Georgia, who he joins in room 9 on his wedding night (1763). Danny reads a "Judge Dredd" comic, which is taken from him by Tinhead (1731), who lives on the Croft Park estate (1762).

Max's middle initial is "G" (1718), and he had a Mini when he originally courted Susannah (1760). He won a Geography prize in November 1975, but failed his "O" level in that subject (1718), and his daily newspaper is the "Independent", until Susannah changes the order to a tabloid (1738). The clothes and wine she donates for auction raise a total of £211 for charity (1751), and the flat into which he briefly moves is number 4 (1736). The grammar school Matthew and Emily used to go to was "Priory Court" (1758). A comment written on Emily's school report appears to be signed by "A. Gray" (1758). Mick left school at the age of 16 (1734), and is seen carrying boxes of "Tolona" pizza cases again in episodes 1755 and 1761. The poster seen on the wall of the gym in episode 1737 promoting the "Workout Challenge" and "Novices Competition" mentions Cara and Jo at Reception, from whom application forms can be obtained.

Sinbad's shop sign bears his full name, Thomas Henry Edward Sweeney (1727, 1729). The plague reading "In loving memory of Sue and Danny Sullivan, who died tragically at this spot 4th October 1991" erected in episode 1636, is seen again on the Parade in episode 1721. A Fletchers' "Office To Let" sign, with the out-of-date telephone number 051 676 8666, can also still be seen in the background in episodes 1730, 1745 and 1750. The hair fayre is sponsored by Michael Mirquin International Hair Products (1745, 1748, 1754). At the beginning of episode 1719, a fax is seen arriving from the House of Commons, London, SW1A 1AA, addressed to Mr Ron Dixon at fax number 0151 724 9513. It reads: "I have just received confirmation that James Payne MP has secured the release of one British National. The flight bound for England leaves Bangkok National Airport at ??.?? hrs local time. I will be sending an official car to take you to the airport in time to meet the flight.".

Sammy used to be the Functions Manager of the "Darlington" in Southport (1731), and Jimmy, who briefly gets a job at the "Pacific Star" pub (1728), was in prison for three months (1720). Lindsey was in prison for six weeks (1722); Mike was in prison for three months (1733, 1734); and, after being released, they look at rings, and decide on tattoos, at David M Robinson, jewellers (1751). Among the books that Ron planned to take to Mike in prison were "The World According To Garp" by John Irving, and "The Long Walk To Freedom" by Nelson Mandela (1732). Mike has "Reservoir Dogs" posters on his wall (1761). Gary's flat, into which Lindsey temporarily moves, is number 4 (1734), and a taxi he is seen driving in episode 1743 bears the name "Maple Cars" and the telephone number 692 5617. A florists' van bringing flowers from Jimmy for Jackie in the same episode bears the telephone number 269 0815. Macca is not married, has no children, and rents a flat (1757). Jimmy (1729, 1733) and Mike (1760) are both left-handed, while Rachel (1719), Kylie (1720), Lindsey (1724), Katie (1726, 1756), Val (1731), Danny (1733), Sinbad (1734), Max (1741, 1745, 1747), Jackie (1744), Bel (1752, 1755), JC (1756) and Bennet (1756) are all right-handed.

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

While he apologises for the mess in the flat to Nat, Georgia and Jules in episode 1737, Max picks up a pair of discarded underpants and puts them into his pocket.

Right at the beginning of episode 1751, this must surely be young Emily Farnham's finest moment:

Quote:
EMILY: Mum, what's cop-ul-at-ion?

SUSANNAH: Um, er....... Ask your father.

Bearing in mind that the role of Leo is soon to be re-cast, it is interesting that, while encouraging him to take up weight-training in episode 1761, Mick has this to say to his son: "By the time you go back to school, you'll be a different fella.".

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Jules lies down on her hotel room bed and starts to cry, wondering why Nat has not come back to her on their wedding night, after he has just gone downstairs to retrieve his wallet. She doesn't realise that he has gone to spent the night in another room nearby with his sister, and lover - Georgia.

Footnote:

I intended to include the following as a "goof" for this season:

Although Jacqui's navel was pierced in episode 1634, it was never then seen on-screen at the same time as her face, suggesting that a stand-in may have appeared as her stomach just for that scene. And, throughout episode 1754, when she is frequently seen wearing an outfit revealing that area again, her navel no longer appears to be pierced!

However, despite closely inspecting the many relevant scenes again (purely in the interests of accuracy, of course.......) I'm still not absolutely convinced!! Anyone?

..

Season Forty Four.......