Brookside Guide.....Season Forty Six.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FORTY-SIX (46 episodes)
[Episodes 1826-1871]

The episodes:

Episode 1826 (M 23-12-96 "Incinerations") Written by Julie Jones and Chris Webb - In an extended 78-minute special episode, "Casa Bevron" is burned down. Ron, Mike and Jacqui are quick to blame Jimmy, and the evidence appears to support this view. Lindsey and David, however, are convinced that he is innocent this time.

Episode 1827 (T 24-12-96 "Genuine Need") Written by Maurice Bessman - It is Christmas Eve on the Close, but Jimmy plans to get away from it all, Georgia has an urgent appointment to arrange, and Julia is unwilling to allow anyone to stay at the Farn-Hams'.......unless she is well paid.

Episode 1828 (W 25-12-96 "Queen's Speech") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jackie receives Christmas presents that she could never have anticipated from Ron.......and from Jimmy. The Simpsons reflect on a year of great change - not much of it for the better.

Episode 1829 (F 27-12-96 "All Over") Written by Maurice Bessman - Just as Elaine and her family are about to arrive for Boxing Day lunch, Mick accidentally spills something on the carpet. Jimmy and Jackie reflect on the past, but can they patch up their differences?

Episode 1830 (T 31-12-96 "Full Circle") Written by Chris Webb - It is party time at the Dixons', but will Ron's scouse be better received that David's haggis? The Simpsons are expecting visitors, but Georgia is out having an abortion. Jimmy plans a quiet night in, but there are a few gate-crashers. The year ends with a proposal of marriage - but from whom?

Episode 1831 (W 01-01-97 "Rewrites") Writteh by Chris Webb - Max and Susannah return home and discover they have squatters. Lindsey tries to persuade Jimmy not to leave. It is time for Georgia and Nat's dinner-for-two at "Grants", and Mike finds that Ollie was impressed with "his" rewrites.

Episode 1832 (F 03-01-97 "Personal Matters") Written by Chris Webb - Georgia doesn't approve of Nat's ideas on how to prevent another pregnancy. Ron tries to convince Jackie to move in with him again. Mick and Elaine have a disagreement, and Susannah discovers that Max has offered Julia and Jack discount for their engagement party.

Episode 1833 (T 07-01-97 "Something To Celebrate") Written by Peter Cox - Mike receives some good news, but his celebrations may be premature. It's Jack and Julia's engagement party, but will they both be present? Mick tries to make amends for upsetting Elaine, and Ron goes with Jackie to see Little Jimmy.

Episode 1834 (W 08-01-97 "Excuses") Written by Peter Cox - Jack tries to justify the shattering revelation he has for Terry. Jackie is not pleased when she finds out who has bought number 10 from Jimmy. At the salon, Georgia finds someone who isn't prepared to condemn her. Lindsey is peeved when Mike continues to take the credit for her work at a book launch.

Episode 1835 (F 10-01-97 "Dreams") Written by Peter Cox - Mick plans a romantic candle-lit meal with Elaine, Ron plans a few days away with Jackie, and Terry tries to find a long-lost relative. But not much turns out the way they wanted it to.

Episode 1836 (T 14-01-97 "Looking After Number One") Written by Nick Saltrese - Bel confronts Georgia about what Nat has told them about the pregnancy scare, and finds out that things were even worse than she thought. David's collection for Ron doesn't meet with much enthusiasm. Tinhead asks Leo to fix him up with a date with Tanya.

Episode 1837 (W 15-01-97 "All Yours") Written by Nick Saltrese - Ron's faith in human nature is restored when some furniture arrives, but then he finds out that he has to pay for it. Despite Jacqui and Julia's objections, Peter insists on doing Georgia's hair at the salon. Terry seeks advice on his predicament from someone else who has experienced the same thing.

Episode 1838 (F 17-01-97 "Wasted Journey") Written by Nick Saltrese - Lindsey and Jackie go to visit Jimmy in London, Mick finds that yet again he is unable to be alone with Elaine, and Leo makes extensive preparations for his first real date.

Episode 1839 (T 21-01-97 "Can't Wait") Written by Maurice Bessman - Against Terry's advice, Jack sets a date for his wedding to Julia. About to sign the contract, Jacqui begins measuring up at number ten. Mike is disgusted when Nat offers to show Rachel his portfolio.

Episode 1840 (W 22-01-97 "Today's The Day") Written by Maurice Bessman - There is an unexpected arrival at the pizza parlour. Terry asks Georgia for ideas on the decoration of the new development, and Sinbad for further moral support. Mick presses for the expulsion of Tinhead.

Episode 1841 (F 24-01-97 "Uninvited Guests") Written by Maurice Bessman - Jacqui, Katie and Rachel plan a girls' night out, but Mick and Sinbad invite themselves along. Elaine finds a more effective way than Mick of convincing Mr Thornton to her point of view. After he refuses to co-operate with the solicitor, Jimmy and Jackie have a heart-to-heart.

Episode 1842 (T 28-01-97 "Over-ambitious") Written by Julie Jones - David tries to convince Ron that he will have to accept Jackie's decision. Mick advises Sinbad to arrange a lads' night out, but where will they end up? Jimmy wants to do social work with the probation service, but Paul makes him realise that it could be more difficult than he thinks.

Episode 1843 (W 29-01-97 "Return To Sender") Written by Julie Jones - Max is much less keen that Susannah to spend an evening with the Simpsons. When no-one will write a reference for Jimmy, he attempts to produce one himself. Jacqui tries to convince Mike to make amends with Lindsey, and Terry's mother visits him unexpectedly, revealing that Jack has been returning all the letters she has been writing.

Episode 1844 (F 31-01-97 "Party Atmosphere") Written by Julie Jones - Ron throws a house-warming party, but Ollie might not be able to convince Bel to come out of the kitchen. Sinbad and David are both concerned about Rachel's relationship with Nat, but can they do anything about it?

Episode 1845 (T 04-02-97 "Youthy") Written by Peter Cox - Despite other people's objections, Rachel continues to see Nat. On his first day at the youth club, Jimmy discovers Tinhead selling illicit ale. Ron gets a new car, so that he can grow old disgracefully.

Episode 1846 (W 05-02-97 "Attributes") Written by Peter Cox - Mick turns up just in time to help Elaine move Gladys in with her and Tanya. Ron interviews applicants for the "Trading Post" job with significant input from David - but who will be selected?

Episode 1847 (F 07-02-97 "Facial") Written by Peter Cox - PC Coban investigates the disappearance of alcoholic lemonade from Terry's, but will Jimmy help with his enquiries? The publicity for the salon does not go quite as well as hoped. Ron delegates the task of notifying the successful applicant to David, but.......

Episode 1848 (T 11-02-97 "Pressurising") Written by Chris Webb - Although Sinbad is convinced that she is doing the wrong thing again, Rachel gets a job at Terry's bar. Elaine finds that Cassie is not exactly impressed by her plans. Sinbad and Terry are both asked to fulfil the same role, and Ollie insists that Nat begins to sort out at least one of his problems.

Episode 1849 (W 12-02-97 "Begging For Mercy") Written by Maurice Bessman - Rachel and Ollie try to persuade Peter not to report Nat to the police. Pushed to the limit, Terry brings matters to a head by introducing Mary to Julia and forcing Jack to tell the whole truth.......

Episode 1850 (F 14-02-97 "Bar Brookie") Written by Julie Jones - Ollie takes Nat for counselling, and finds that he is expected to answer a few questions too. The new bar on the parade is opened, but with a JC instead of an MC.

Episode 1851 (T 18-02-97 "The Morning After") Written by Shaun Duggan - Bel returns to find that things have not really improved in her absence. Susannah wonders whether she, or particularly Max, should take steps to avoid further pregnancy. Mick thinks Gladys should consider going private to have her hip operation done sooner. Jimmy asks Sinbad if he would like to be a lodger at number 10.

Episode 1852 (W 19-02-97 "Trying Too Hard") Written by Shaun Duggan - Elaine refuses to sacrifice her principles. Cassie and Bel cannot agree on what should be stocked in the "Trading Post". Lindsey arranges to have her tattoo removed, and Jimmy gives Tinhead a chance to prove himself - but will he be up to the challenge?

Episode 1853 (F 21-02-97 "Fancy Cheese") Written by Shaun Duggan - Bel tries to prove to Cassie that exotic cheeses will be popular with the "Trading Post" customers. When Max and Susannah dine at "Bar Brookie", Jacqui has to order their food from elsewhere. Mick and Elaine go shopping for expensive engagement rings, leaving Gladys alone.......

Episode 1854 (T 25-02-97 "Private Medicine") Written by Barry Woodward - Mike shaves off his beard, and thinks he has found another source of income. Gladys must decide whether to go private for her operation. Rachel and Christian have an unexpected rush to cope with at "Bar Brookie", and Jackie thinks that she may be starting the menopause - but does Julia have the answer?

Episode 1855 (W 26-02-97 "Horses' Pee") Written by Barry Woodward - David and Max resolve their past differences, and go to watch Matthew try out for the hockey team. Tinhead tried to sell knock-off gear at Sinbad's shop. Jack's secret is worrying Julia. Mick has to move Elaine, Tanya and Gladys in much sooner than he expected.

Episode 1856 (F 28-02-97 "New Owners") Written by Barry Woodward - Sinbad is still looking for accomodation, and he might not be the only one. Jacqui receives a fax from Terry, but is it good news? Worrying about her forthcoming operation, Gladys asks Mick to witness her will - and another witness turns up just in time too.

Episode 1857 (T 04-03-97 "Another Fine Mess") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Max tries to put the case against him having a vasectomy to Susannah, but it seems to be based mainly on total cowardice. Jimmy tries to butter up Sinbad, while Jackie is keen to obtain a proper rent book. Ollie reacts angrily to Bel's latest accusations.

Episode 1858 (W 05-03-97 "Hiccups") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Ron decides to get rid of Bel's new innovations, but asks for David's support when he tells her. Sinbad and Jimmy confront Tinhead about the brick through the window. Katie gets a full makeover before she goes out with Christian again, but he may have another girl in mind. A complication prevents Gladys's operation from going ahead.

Episode 1859 (F 07-03-97 "Is It Good News?") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Bel forces Ron to find another assistant for the day, so Mike steps in. Gladys receives the results of her tests. Max is given a choice about his vasectomy operation: Tuesday or Thursday. Jimmy asks Sinbad to pay Jackie rent and keep his secret.

Episode 1860 (T 11-03-97 "A Coffin") Written by Nick Saltrese - Bel's work-to-rule continues to infuriate Ron. Max has a convenient dose of flu on the day he is due to have his vasectomy, so Susannah enlists Julia's help to make sure he doesn't go anywhere. Some of the residents have a bit of luck on the horses, but there's also an unfortunate loss.......

Episode 1861 (W 12-03-97 "Another Coffin") Written by Nick Saltrese - Sinbad has to make a few phony phone calls to help Jimmy try to find the missing body. Ron jumps to some wrong conclusions, Danny goes to see Ollie, and Mick celebrates his birthday at Gladys's hospital bed. Jack cooks for Julia, but finds that he has moved his belongings into the wrong room.

Episode 1862 (F 14-03-97 "The Tricky Bit") Written by Nick Saltrese - Danny tries to reconcile his parents. David stands in for Jackie at the petrol station, and Sinbad does his best to help Jimmy make sure that the right coffin is buried.

Episode 1863 (T 18-03-97 "Dead And Buried") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy visits the graveyard to make an apology. Ron is concerned to hear that there are plans to expand and modernise the garage. Julia finds Jack's cuttings about Henry Fraser, but can't bring herself to throw them away. Knowing that she has not much longer to live, Gladys asks Mick to bring forward his wedding to Elaine.

Episode 1864 (W 19-03-97 "Too Many Secrets") Written by Valerie Windsor - There is emotional turmoil for the Simpsons as they all attend a final family therapy session in a last attempt to reach the root of their problems.

Episode 1865 (F 21-03-97 "No Alternative") Written by Valerie Windsor - Jackie tells Lindsey that she is going to go to art classes, and have a baby. Jimmy becomes angry when he finds out that Ron knew about the baby first. David decides to bid for the petrol station franchise. Nat and Georgia decide that they will have to get away from everyone, and Julia reveals Jack's secret.

Episode 1866 (T 25-03-97 "Peace Of Mind") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Julia tries to presuade Jack to go to the authorities and confess what he has done. Jackie tries to convince Jimmy that the baby is his. Mick and Sinbad have difficulty in finding something to order that "Bar Brookie" have in stock.

Episode 1867 (W 26-03-97 "No Option") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Matthew saves the day at the hockey semi-final, Danny spots some anomalies in Bel's business plan, Jimmy earns some legitimate money for once, and JC resolves to remove Nat and Georgia from their flat.

Episode 1868 (F 28-03-97 "House Clearance") Written by Joe Ainsworth - JC's unique style of justice leads to David becoming the proud owner of a Monet painting. Elaine has her hen party. Julia insists that Jack must go to the police, but finds that he has done something quite different. Jimmy gives another talk to young offenders, and an interview to a reporter.......

Episode 1869 (T 01-04-97 "Voice Of The People") Written by Chris Webb - Ollie returns home early after reading a surprising newspaper article, and finds some unwelcome lodgers. Susannah helps to prepare Max for his operation, and to console Julia. Cassie thinks Bel's new layout for the "Trading Post" is an April Fool, JC throws another spanner in the works for Nat and Georgia, and on Mick's stag night, Ron causes a fire at "Bar Brookie".

Episode 1870 (W 02-04-97 "Mick And Elaine") Written by Chris Webb - Danny does some accounting work for Sinbad, and tries to persuade him to sell Bel a chiller unit. Jacqui insists that Ron cleans up after his circus act in her bar. Max makes a confession to David, and on his wedding day to Elaine, Gladys has a disturbing revelation for Mick.

Episode 1871 (F 04-04-97 "I'll Kill The Pair Of You") Written by Chris Webb - Jimmy takes drastic action to make sure everyone knows he is going to be a father. Mick makes some enquiries about one of the wedding telegrams he has received. Bel opens her new delicatessen, and Elaine is appalled to learn of Gladys's decision. Nat and Georgia find somewhere else to live, and Susannah foretells the future.

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1826, 1827, 1830-1833, 1836, 1837, 1839, 1840, 1843, 1844, 1846-1851, 1854-1857, 1859-1863, 1865-1871)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1826-1843, 1851-1855, 1857, 1859-1863, 1865-1871)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1826-1831, 1838, 1840-1843, 1845, 1847, 1851, 1852, 1855-1863, 1865-1871)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1826-1833, 1836, 1837, 1842, 1844-1847, 1855, 1858, 1861-1863, 1865-1870)
DD (Deborah) Dixon (nee O'Farrell) - IRENE MAROT (1829)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1826-1837, 1839, 1841, 1843-1847, 1850, 1851, 1854, 1856-1863, 1865-1871)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1826-1830, 1837, 1839-1841, 1843-1851, 1853, 1856, 1858, 1866, 1867, 1869, 1870)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1826-1831, 1833-1839, 1841, 1843, 1844, 1846, 1847, 1854, 1859, 1869, 1870)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1826, 1831, 1833, 1843, 1850, 1851, 1853, 1855, 1857, 1859, 1860, 1863, 1867, 1869-1871)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (1826, 1831, 1832, 1843, 1847, 1848, 1850, 1851, 1853, 1855, 1857, 1859, 1860, 1862, 1867, 1869-1871)
Emily Farnham - VICTORIA BENNETT (1826, 1853, 1855, 1857, 1871)
Matthew Farnham - GARETH RYAN JONES (1826, 1851, 1853, 1855, 1857, 1859, 1867, 1871)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1826, 1827, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1836, 1838-1863, 1865, 1866, 1868-1871)
Elaine Johnson (formerly Davies, nee Charlton) - BEVERLEY HILLS (1829, 1830, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1836, 1838-1842, 1844, 1846-1855, 1858-1863, 1865, 1868, 1870, 1871)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1829, 1832, 1850, 1861, 1870)
Leo Johnson - STEVEN COLE (1829, 1832, 1833, 1836, 1838, 1839, 1844, 1845, 1850, 1853, 1861, 1865, 1870)
Rachel Jordache - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (1832, 1837-1839, 1841, 1843-1850, 1853, 1854, 1856, 1858, 1866)
Bev McLoughlin - SARAH WHITE (1826, 1828)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1826, 1828, 1830, 1841, 1849, 1850, 1853, 1856, 1858)
Bel Simpson (nee Pattison) - LESLEY NIGHTINGALE (1827, 1828, 1830, 1834-1837, 1844, 1851-1854, 1856-1871)
Ollie Simpson - MICHAEL J JACKSON (1828, 1830, 1831, 1833-1835, 1838, 1841, 1843, 1844, 1847-1854, 1856-1858, 1861-1867, 1869, 1871)
Georgia Simpson - HELEN GRACE (1827, 1828, 1830-1832, 1834, 1836, 1837, 1840-1842, 1844, 1846, 1847, 1852, 1853, 1856, 1860, 1864-1866, 1868-1871)
Nat Simpson - JOHN SANDFORD (1827, 1828, 1830-1835, 1837-1839, 1841-1850, 1852, 1853, 1856, 1864-1866, 1868-1871)
Danny Simpson - ANDREW BUTLER (1828, 1852, 1859-1865, 1867, 1870, 1871)
Lindsey Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (1826-1841, 1843, 1844, 1852, 1854, 1861, 1862, 1865, 1866, 1868-1870)
Kylie Stanlow (1828)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (1831, 1833-1837, 1839, 1840, 1842-1844, 1846, 1848, 1849)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1826, 1827, 1829, 1832, 1837, 1840-1845, 1848-1851, 1854-1863, 1866, 1867, 1869, 1870)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
John "JC" Bradley - KEN SHARROCK (1850, 1856, 1867-1870)
Cassie Charlton - EBONY GRAY (1829, 1838, 1845-1848, 1851-1855, 1868-1871)
P.C. Ian Coban - ANTONY AUDENSHAW (1847)
Cracker - KELLY MALONE (1828, 1830-1832, 1836)
Paul Heery - GRAEME EDLER (1842, 1845, 1867, 1868)
Mo McGee - TINA MALONE (1850, 1851, 1870)
Carmel O'Leary - CAROL CONNOR (1842)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (1836, 1838-1840, 1844, 1845, 1847, 1852, 1855, 1858)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (1834, 1837, 1841, 1844, 1846-1849)
Jack Sullivan - WILLIAM MAXWELL (1827, 1830-1836, 1839, 1843, 1848-1851, 1855, 1861-1863, 1865, 1867, 1868)
Ruth Sweeney (1832)
Mr Dick Thornton - GRAHAM SEED (1840, 1841, 1865, 1867)
Christian Wright - PHILLIP DOWD (1850, 1853, 1854, 1858)

NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Gladys Charlton - EILEEN O'BRIEN (1829, 1835, 1838, 1846, 1850, 1851, 1853-1856, 1858, 1859, 1861, 1863, 1865, 1868, 1870) [ Pauline Hoskins (34) ]
Cath Nolan - RACHEL LAURENCE (1840) [ Donna (344) / Lucinda Fletcher (991, 994) ]
Dr Clucas - GIL BRAILEY (1858, 1859) [ Joyce Harrington (211, 212, 214, 227, 231, 232, 243, 249, 253, 256, 322, 331-337, 383) ]
Estate Agent - DAVID CRELLIN (1869) [ Tommy (1172) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Sharon Bridges - HAYLEY SMITTON (1838)
Anne Cassidy - MARGOT LEICESTER (1827)
Tanya Davies - HEATHER TOMLINSON (1829, 1833, 1835, 1836, 1838, 1839, 1844, 1850, 1852, 1853, 1861, 1865, 1870, 1871)
Tony Goodridge - ANDREW NEIL (1853, 1856, 1864)
Ian Halliwell - GARY MERRY (1868)
Steve McNab - PAUL CHIPS (1840, 1843, 1846)
Ben O'Leary - SIMON PAUL (1857, 1858, 1871)
Paula Smythe - ALEX BALL (1838)
Mary Sullivan - SALLY TREBLE (1835, 1837, 1843, 1846, 1849)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Detective Inspector Long - BILL SPEED (1869)
Dr Parker - PADDY GLYNN (1859)
Detective Inspector Summerfield - BARRY McCORMICK (1826)
Quiz Master - JACKSON KAVANAGH (1838)
Racing Commentator - KEVIN DYER (1860 OOV)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Mr Gibley, a tattoo-removal clinic patient (1852)
Kath, a clinic nurse (1827)
Mr Money, a history teacher (1865)
Nick, a newspaper photographer (1868)
Mr Relth, a teacher (1840)
Mrs Roberts, a salon customer (1841)
Snowy, Emily's white fluffy rabbit (1855, 1871)
Tony, male nurse/strippagram (1868)

Although he does not reappear at all later in the extended episode 1826, Little Jimmy Corkhill (GEORGE CHRISTOPHER) is among the characters featured in a 60-second framed montage of pre-credits reprises from earlier episodes preceding that episode.

The closing credits of episode 1830 are replaced by an alphabetical list of who "Throughout the Year 'Brookside' was brought to you by"........, rolled over images of many of these people waving from the Parade.

Ron Dixon's absence from episode 1838 brings to an end an unbroken run of 42 consecutive episodes in which he has appeared - a record, but one which will soon be broken.......

A new, sixth, opening sequence, which includes "Bar Brookie" and some cyclists, replaces the long-running previous version from episode 1851 onwards.

Unusually, scenes towards the end of episode 1864 in which Ollie throws a table through a mirror are shown in slow-motion - although the same technique is employed again only seven episodes later, during the Farnhams' car crash.

The "Magic Rabbits" music is heard again in Georgia's flat in episode 1866, although the creatures are not seen. As other voices can be heard in the background, she is possibly watching them on television while listening to something else on the radio.

The storylines:

As "Brookside" enters its gloomiest year, this season begins with a house burning down, and ends with a horrific car crash. In between, the burial of Little Jimmy requires more than one coffin, family therapy sessions seem more likely to split up Bel and Ollie than Nat and Georgia, and Mick and Elaine have to bring their wedding forward because Gladys is diagnosed with terminal cancer. A mother who isn't dead after all, a father who is a murderer, and escalating debts are all too much for Terry, who disappears from the Close forever; and Jack also does a permanent runner, rather than face the consequences of his actions. While Katie hopes to try again with Christian, he seems to have his eye on Rachel; while Mike gets closer to having his book published, Lindsey has had enough of him; and Jackie decides against a future with Ron and returns to Jimmy, with whom she becomes pregnant again! Jacqui adds "Bar Brookie" to her expanding empire, while David is keen to take over at the petrol station, and the "Trading Post" is forced to move upmarket. And after all their problems seem finally to be behind them, Max and Susannah are looking forward to happier times ahead - but their worst nightmare may be just about to begin.......

The dates:

It is "nearly Christmas" in episode 1826; it is Christmas Eve in episode 1827; and it is Christmas Day / 1996 in episode 1828. It is Boxing Day in episode 1829; and it is Hogmanay / New Year's Eve, the last day of a leap year, in episode 1830 - until the last minute or so, after the chimes of midnight are heard. It is January, and Friday, in episode 1838; it is the 22nd in episode 1840 (according to a desk calendar), when "Burns Night" is on Saturday; and, based on dialogue in episode 1842, it was Friday in episode 1841. It is the 90's in episode 1845; based on dialogue in episode 1846, it is Friday in episode 1847; and it is Valentine's Day, which is "next week" (1846) / "tomorrow" (1849), in episode 1850. Based on dialogue in episode 1852, it was also Friday in episode 1850; and, based on dialogue in episode 1860, it was Friday again in episode 1859, and it will be Friday yet again in episode 1862. Based on dialogue in episode 1862, it was Thursday in episode 1861; it is Spring 1997 in episode 1865; and, based on dialogue in episode 1866, it is Wednesday in episode 1870. Based on dialogue in episode 1867, it is Friday in episode 1868; it is April Fools' Day in episode 1869; and, less precisely, Jimmy claims in episode 1852 that it is exactly five years since he and Jackie got together again.

Name-checks:

Jeremy Beadle (1826); "Mickey Mouse" (1826) Burgess and McLean (1826); "Benny" off "Crossroads" (1827); "Melchior", "Casper", and "Frankenstein" [think about it.......] (1827); Gunga Din (1827); Benjamin Britten (1827); Dick Whittington (1828); Mohammed, who couldn't come to the mountain (1828, 1860); Liz Taylor (1829, 1857); Richard Burton (1829, 1857); Mussolini (1829); "Snow White" (1829); "Casanova" (1829, 1866); "Aladdin" (1829); Delia Smith (1830, 1857); Mary, Joseph and Jesus (1831); "Topsy and Tim" (1831), "Mrs Lather's Laundry" (1831), "Winnie The Pooh" (1831); Prince Charles (1832, 1843); Princess Diana (1832, 1844, 1865); Howard Keel (1832); "Kismet" (1832); "Stranger In Paradise" (1832); Borodin (1832); Bernie Flint (1836); Freddy Kruger (1836); Dickens (1837); "Corrie" ["Coronation Street"] (1838, 1850); Muhammed Ali (1838); Joe Frazier (1838); Ken Norton (1838); George Foreman (1838); Jack The [flamin'] Ripper (1840); "Cruella" (1841); "Jack And The Beanstalk" (1842); Fanny Cradock (1842, 1857); Tom Jones (1842); Edward and Mrs Simpson (1843); Demi Moore (1844); Raquel Welch (1845); "Space" [group] (1845); "Garbage" [group] (1845); Cleopatra (1847); The Queen of Sheba (1847); Maurice Chevalier (1849); "Tweedledum and Tweedledee" (1850); Saatchi and Saatchi (1850); Sean Curry [hockey player?] (1851); "Yosser Hughes" (1852); Evel Knievel (1852); "Stepford Wife" (1852); Esther Rantzen (1852); "Old King Cole" (1854); Aneurin Bevin (1854); Ted Heath (1854); Donald Trump (1856); Omar Sharif (1857); "Dr Zhivago" (1857); "Wonder Woman" (1857); "Supergran" (1857); Noel Edmonds (1857); "Mystic Meg" (1857); "Supermarket Sweep" (1857); "The Italian Job" (1857); "the other Mr Simpson" [O.J.] (1857); the "Bionic Woman" (1858); Rachman (1858); the "Yorkshire Ripper" (1858, 1867); Fred West (1858); "Open All Hours" (1858); "Violet Elizabeth Bott" (1858); "Sherlock" / "Sherlock Holmes" (1858 / 1863); Bob Dylan (1859); "R2D2" (1859); Arthur Scargill (1860); Cliff Richard (1863); Salvador Dali (1863); Lang, Freud and Germaine [bloody] Greer, writers (1864); Hercules (1865); "Alf Roberts" (1866); "J.R. Ewing" (1866); "Mission Impossible" (1866); Beatrix Potter (1866); "Rigsby" (1867); Gandhi (1867); "Davy Crockett" (1867); "Perry Mason" (1867); Elvis [Presley] (1868); Monet (1868); McVicar [criminal] (1868); and Mike Yarwood (1868).

Locations:

All of the action in this season is set in or near Liverpool, apart from several London-based scenes in episode 1838, including a few both inside and outside a cafe called "The Lunch Box".

Births:

None. Georgia is 12 weeks pregnant by Nat in episode 1827, but has an abortion in episode 1830. Jackie is expecting a baby in July (1863, 1866), and is "four months pregnant" (1863) / "five months gone" (1870). Tinhead claims that it is his mother's birthday in episode 1855; and it is Mick's birthday, which is "tomorrow" in episode 1859, in episode 1860. We are also told that Cassie was a baby in the 50's (1829); Tanya is 15 (1829); Georgia is 23 (1832); Rachel is 18 in March (1839) / nearly 18 (1844, 1845) / not yet 18 (1846) / 17 (1848); Sinbad is 40 in a few days / on Sunday (1841); Christian is 21 (1850); Little Jimmy was 21 when he died, according to Bel (1853), and the same age as Nat, according to Ollie (1862); Dolly Sparrow was 42 in 1973 (1854); Gladys is in her 50's (1856); Danny is 14 (1857, 1864, 1867); Matthew is 11 (1857); Jackie is 43 (1863); and Henry Fraser was the same age as Jimmy (1863).

Marriages:

One - Mick Johnson marries Elaine Davies in episode 1870, which is "a couple of months" away (1848, 1851), "at Easter" (1848) and "two o'clock, a week on Wednesday" (1866). Julia married Arthur "soon after the war" (1832) and "40-odd years ago" (1848); and, although she gets engaged to Jack in episode 1831, and they plan to wed "four weeks on Friday" (1839) / in "four weeks" (1839, 1840) / in "two weeks" (1843) / "next Friday" (1848) / in "one week" (1849), that's another of those weddings that never happens! Jackie and Jimmy have been married for "20-odd" years (1841), and have been together "20 years" (1838, 1840), a figure which may be taking into account occasions that they have been estranged since they married - and in the latter episode, Jackie remembers something Jimmy did on her mother's silver wedding! Bel and Ollie have been married for 24 years (1864, 1865).

Deaths:

None. Beth died "about 18 months ago" (1838), and Little Jimmy died "three months ago", according to Bel (1853) / 12 weeks ago (1855). Unseen characters mentioned who are no longer alive are Gladys's husband Charles / Elaine's father (1829, 1835, 1870 / 1871), who died of a heart attack about three years ago (1829); Harry Fraser (1834, 1836) / Henry Fraser (1843, 1849, 1851, 1855, 1862, 1865, 1867, 1869); Julia's husband Arthur (1848, 1868, 1869, 1870, 1871), who died 24 years ago (1869); Gladys's grandfather (1854); and Georgia's grandfather / Ollie's father (1856 / 1858, 1863).

Toilet visits:

Gladys (1835 and 1868); Tinhead (1838); Katie (1841); Georgia (1841); Lindsey (1844); JC (1850); Susannah (1867); and Jimmy (1868).

Characters mentioned, so far unseen, but who will be appearing later: None!

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

Tony (1826, 1862); Shane (1826); the "Sparrow Girls" (1869), including Dolly Sparrow (1826, 1827, 1854, 1857, 1863); Renee [Doreen] (1826, 1849, 1862); Bev's mother (1826, 1829, 1837); Rachel (1826, 1830); Barry Grant (1828, 1851, 1856); Paul Heery (1828); Martin (1828, 1864); Patricia Farnham (1829, 1832, 1844, 1855, 1861); Tom(1829); Jules (1830); Little Jimmy (1831, 1832, 1833, 1834, 1841, 1852, 1855, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1862, 1863, 1866, 1871); Val (1831, 1840, 1841, 1852, 1869): Jean Crosbie (1832, 1844, 1869); Sinbad's mother (1837); Beth Jordache (1838, 1839, 1841, 1843, 1845, 1848); Ron's father / Cyril (1839 / 1851); Sammy Daniels (1839); Fee (1847); Tracy (1848, 1849); Simon (1849); Josie (1854): Marianne (1854); Macca (1855); Alice (1861); Ellis (1870); and Jenny Swift (1870, 1871).

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

Jeremy and Lavinia, friends of Susannah who had their wedding reception at Manor Lodge Hotel (1826); Dolly's husband (1827); Carla, from Leo's year, who he hoped was Elaine's daughter (1829); Margo and Keith, who are always the last [?] to arrive and the last to leave parties at the Simpsons' (1830); Amy Walton, a friend of Julia (1832); Maurice, French friend of Jean (1832); Mr Kennedy, a teacher of Tania (1833); Diane, a petrol station worker (1835); Aggie, another friend of Julia (1836); Sharon's father (1838); Bri, a boss/colleague of Jimmy in London (1838); Jackie's mother (1840); Steve's father, Steve's sisters Julie and Ann, and four of their five children [the other one appears in episode 1835!] (1840); Joe / Elaine's ex-husband (1842, 1871 / 1852); Mick's mother (1846); PC Coban's mother (1847); Tessa, Karen, Barbara and, Debbie, "Trading Post" job applicants (1847); Mr Rawlins, Matthew's games master (1851); Andy, "Bar Brookie" chef (1853, 1854); Denise, part-time supervisor at "Grants" (1853); Dr Swanson, consultant (1854); Steve the commis-chef, who had a vasectomy (1855); Frank, JC's solicitor (1856); Duncan, Katie's dance "boss" (1856); Mr Tarlatan, an over-55 (1856); Charlie Chung on the corner of Roscommon Street (1856); Kitty and Elvis, in Gladys's ramblings (1858); Dolly Sparrow's husband, and their twelve children (1859); Laura, who Susannah is having lunch with (1860); Mr Brenner, an over-55 (1860); and the "Sparrow Girls" (1869), other than Dolly (Polly, presumably).

Goofs:

Detective Inspector Summerfield omits the word "of" in episode 1826: "And you thought a way to fix it, didn't you?".

Ron is torn between "have" and "get her" in episode 1827: "I did have her some bits and pieces.".

In episode 1830, as they await all their party guests, Bel expresses surprise that Margo and Keith, always "last to arrive, last to leave" aren't there yet.......so surely she means "first to arrive, last to leave"?

Not for the first time, Mick refers to "Suzanne" Farnham in episode 1841.

Nat is trying too hard in episode 1842: "I'm trying my best to try and move on"; and, in the same episode, Elaine hears her mother's number incredibly quickly - less than four seconds after she has dialled 1471!!

Bel adds an extra word in episode 1852: "You'd do AS well to remember that".

Trivia:

Mick had his appendix out when he was about 10 (1856), and is assured that Jenny will be remaining in prison for at least another six months (1871). He and Elaine, like others before them, buy rings at David M. Robinson, jewellers (1853), and marry at St Mark's church (1866). Gladys is in a hospital near Emperor Street (1863). Her late husband, Charles, was from Nigeria (1829). Tanya is in Year Nine (1865), which is the same year as Danny and Leo (1830). She wins prizes for French and Design & Tech. (1865), and Danny gets the Maths, Science, I.T. and the overall year prize (1865). Ollie helped to set up a publishing company in the 60's (1831); Bel tries to promote mail-order organic farm produce from "Freedom Meadow" (1851, 1868), based in Worcestershire (1853); and Nat and Georgia, who have been having an affair for six years (1837), get into a taxi bearing the name "Maple Cars" (1866), discover that JC has had their belongings dumped into a skip bearing the name "CRS" and the telephone number 4242397 (1868), and plan to move into a flat in Beechwood House, Liverpool 16, whose details they obtain from Alderken Property Management Services, 14 Warebank Road, Liverpool L16 0TW (1869). The O'Learys have a cat (1858). Matthew is an Evertonian (1859) who once joined the Cubs, but got bored after a week (1851).

The first pub Sinbad ever drunk in was "The Sailor's Tavern" (1842). He unsuccessfully tries the code numbers 3697 and 3796 to switch off the burglar alarm in his shop (1850). Among the library books Jackie has borrowed are "Painting - A Complete Guide" by Kenneth Jameson (1865). She was in Gracie Market when she went into labour with Little Jimmy (1852), and her mother received stolen candlesticks from Jimmy for her silver wedding (1840). His interview in the "Guardian" is headed "The Class Divide and Drug Abuse" (1871), and the letter he receives from the coroner's office bears the postcode L43 6TZ (1859). When Jack is out, Julia thinks he may be at the "Green Lion" (1865). She and her late husband, Arthur, used to go to the "Grafton" every Saturday (1870). Ron post-dates the cheque he writes for Sinbad "15th January 2000" (1837). His account is with the Royal Northern Bank (1837), as is Terry's, whose very similar cheque book is seen in episode 1843. It is "nearly 30 years" since Terry's mother allegedly died (1834, 1836) / "over 30 years ago" that she walked out (1839), and he was three when he last saw her (1843). Dolly Sparrow, whose husband had a vasectomy after they had 12 children (1859), was 42 when she began the menopause in 1973 (1854).

The sign giving full details of JC's company: "J.C. Bradley (Construction) Ltd, Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Specialists, 0151 692 3109" is seen again in episodes 1831, 1834, 1837, 1840, 1842, 1843, 1844 and 1846, whereas other signs, showing just the company name, can be seen in episodes 1839, 1841, 1845 and 1847. The telephone number of the pizza parlour, 0151 269 2434, can be seen on its van again in episodes 1833, 1839, 1846 and 1852; "Tolona" boxes are seen again in episode 1839; and a "Fletchers" sign can be seen again in the distance in episode 1855. In episode 1842, David notices that Ron has taken Bev's name off the "Trading Post", and in episode 1871, "Manor Park Delicatessen - International Foods" is added to its window. Meanwhile, "Jacqueline Dixon" is the name installed above the door of "Bar Brookie" in episode 1867.

When fire forces the residents to temporarily seek refuge elsewhere, they stay at the "Manor Lodge" B&B, on one of whose walls there is a promotional poster for the show "Daisy Pulls It Off" (1826). A "For Sale" sign bearing the estate agents' name "Haskayne Brimstage" and the telephone number 0151 269 4000, is still outside number 10 in episodes 1826, 1827, 1833, 1836 and 1837, with an attached "SOLD" banner. "My Son", which Jimmy backs at odds of 14/1 at "Bechers Betting", beats other horses including "New Inn", "Grocer's Folly", "Cittadino" and "Green Apples" in the 2.30 at Cheltenham (1860). Yet another pile-up in Queens Drive - evidently an accident black-spot - is reported by a radio newsreader in the background in episode 1870. Mike (1838, 1859), Nat (1838), and Jimmy (1840, 1843, 1845) are left-handed (1840), while Bel (1835, 1861), Jackie (1835, 1840, 1869), Ollie (1835), Cassie (1838), Terry (1839), Jacqui (1846, 1851, 1858, 1869), Georgia (1846), Sinbad (1855, 1870), Ron (1860, 1865, 1868), Julia (1860), and Mick (1861) are all right-handed.

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

Although episode 1825 ends with Ron discovering that "Casa Bevron" is on fire, episode 1826 begins with some additional scenes which take place BEFORE this happens. The concluding scenes of episode 1825 are then reprised a few minutes into episode 1826. And, as studies have apparently shown that men typically strike matches "towards" themselves and women strike them "away from" themselves, the "strike action" of the arsonist seen in one of those additional scenes is possibly an early clue that they are female, and therefore not Jimmy!

Among other letters headed "LOTTERY FOLLY", "PATHETIC OFFER" and "GIVE US A CALL", on the "Voice of Merseyside" letters page of the "Echo" briefly seen in episode 1855 is the following letter, headed "Cruelty of coroner's rules to murder family":

I am writing on behalf of a local couple, Jimmy and Jackie Corkhill, who, because of bureaucrats at the coroner's court, have not been able to mourn the death of their son, even though he has been dead three months. Surely any person with an ounce of compassion would put this poor family out of its misery and allow them to bury their only son. For once, could people's feelings be put before the rules of the pen-pushers at the City Hall.

Cassie Charlton.

The end-of-season cliffhanger:

Driving home in the rain after a day out at the fire station with Matthew and Emily, Susannah is frustrated as the children bicker in the back seat. Each of them - first Emily, then Matthew - try to get away from the other by climbing over into the front passenger seat. Susannah angrily tells them to sit back down, adding, "Oh, for God's sake, if you don't shut up, I'll kill the pair of you!". Momentarily distracted, she doesn't see another car cutting across the road to turn right in front of them. Still standing up, Matthew does, and he and Emily both scream. Although Susannah manages to brake, the road is slippery - and they crash with considerable force into the back of the other car.......

Season Forty Seven.......