Brookside Guide.....Season Forty Nine.....

by the "Brookside Expert "

BROOKSIDE - SEASON FORTY-NINE (44 episodes, plus video release "The Lost Weekend")
[Episodes 1954-1997]

The episodes:

Episode 1954 (T 07-10-97 "Count Me Out") Written by Julie Rutterford - Lisa stresses to Max and Susannah that she would prefer her eggs to be unfertilised. Mick has second thoughts about going on the run. Ron returns from Las Vegas to see Jacqui's new hairdo, and the O'Learys are on the move because Tim has accidentally destroyed their house.

Episode 1955 (W 08-10-97 "Not Going Anywhere") Written by Barbara Phillips - Mick finds out that the case against him was going to be dropped, but it isn't now. Danny assures Ollie that he is past his rebellion phase. Callum convinces Jacqui that she needs a bouncer. Jimmy returns what remains of the walking gear he borrowed.

Episode 1956 (F 10-10-97 "Insurance") Written by Maurice Bessman - Danny makes a mysterious phone call to arrange a secret meeting. Callum insists that Jacqui listens to his full "sales pitch". Tim has a preliminary interview for a new career. Lindsey takes Peter home, but Jimmy returns early and joins them for coffee.

Episode 1957 (T 14-10-97 "Devotion") Written by Chris Webb - Tim is optimistic about his chances. Ron feels that he can't turn his back on "Bar Brookie", despite what has happened to Mike. Sinbad tries to reassure Leo and Gemma about Mick, and Christian's mother arrives unexpectedly - but will he be pleased to see her?

Episode 1958 (W 15-10-97 "The Full Works") Written by Chris Webb - Lindsey and Peter plan to go for a weekend away in Southport. Mick tries to persuade Cassie to change her statement. Ron and Jacqui are forced to agree to Callum's terms, and Bunty gives Rachel a makeover at the salon - but how will Christian react?

Episode 1959 (F 17-10-97 "Old Times") Written by Chris Webb - Ron needs to find a new tenant and a new home. Mick feels that his position is worse than ever - but has Sinbad found the solution? Christian tells Rachel about his childhood. Ollie's plans for a bath with Eleanor are interrupted, and so are Peter and Lindsey's plans for a quiet night out at "Bar Brookie".

Episode 1960 (T 21-10-97 "Bath") Written by Barry Woodward - The O'Learys arrive on the Close, as Ron moves in with David. But where will Mike go? Jacqui gets nowhere when she tries to reduce the weekly extortion payments. Eleanor tells Mick that changing his story might not help matters. Rachel has finally had enough, and exacts a horrifying revenge on Christian.

Episode 1961 (W 22-10-97 "Tent") Written by Barry Woodward - Ron and David discover that Mike has pitched a tent in their back garden. Carmel doesn't appreciate Julia telling her to keep an eye on "Skinhead". Max discovers that Susannah still doesn't want to give up on the idea of finding a surrogate mother. Rachel goes back to work and moves in temporarily with Jacqui, leaving Christian alone to rot.

Episode 1962 (F 24-10-97 "Mad") Written by Barry Woodward - Despite Max's reluctance, he visits a surrogacy agency with Susannah. Eleanor has little to tell Ollie about her past. Jackie tells Cassie that Mick has changed his story. Rachel finally allows someone to go into her flat and open the bathroom door.......

Episode 1963 (T 28-10-97 "Advice") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jacqui looks for new ways to improve profits, but Callum has some "advice" for her. Peter and Lindsey return from their holiday. Susannah looks through Max's address book, in the hope of finding another potential surrogate mother.

Episode 1964 (W 29-10-97 "Dan's Decision") Written by Shaun Duggan - It is Danny's custody hearing, but will he have any impact on the final decision? Carmel replaces Ron's furniture with her own, and encourages Sinbad to go jogging with Tim. A visit to a much busier "Bar Brookie" makes Susannah think she may have overlooked an ideal surrogate mother candidate.

Episode 1965 (F 31-10-97 "Qualities") Written by Shaun Duggan - Susannah insists that either she or Max sound out Jacqui as a prospective surrogate mother. Bel arrives at Ollie's - but which of them will Danny chose to live with? A face from Jimmy's past appears at Little Jimmy's grave.

Episode 1966 (T 04-11-97 "Curious") Written by Barbara Phillips - Ollie reassures Eleanor that things will just be the same, but then she has a makeover. Ron offers Lindsey a gig, but what has Barry to offer? David investigates when Julia sees something very strange in the garden, and Max and Susannah put their proposition to Jacqui.

Episode 1967 (W 05-11-97 "Persuaded To Talk") Written by Barbara Phillips - Eleanor finds out why Ollie objects to her new look, and wants to talk about it. Sinbad discovers that Rachel has gone to stay with Mandy. Barry warns Ron that it will not be easy to get rid of Callum. When Julia has a fright on a bus, an unlikely knight comes to her rescue.

Episode 1968 (F 07-11-97 "Make Me An Offer") Written by Valerie Windsor - Julia reveals what Tim has done, and Sinbad gets him a punchbag. Peter has a few things to say to Lindsey. When Ron suffers another attack, Jacqui makes a big decision.

Episode 1969 (M 10-11-97 "Pickles") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Ollie and Eleanor disagree over a burst condom. Max discovers that he has volunteered to be Julia's driving instructor. Jacqui makes a deal with Barry, and the O'Learys throw a buffet for Tim as he prepares to leave.

Episode 1970 (T 11-11-97 "First Instalment") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Max discovers that Susannah has made a down-payment to Jacqui without getting any kind of receipt. Danny finds a pregnancy testing kit in the pedal bin. Tim undergoes rigorous testing at the army barracks, but will he pass?

Episode 1971 (W 12-11-97 "Unplanned Pregnancy") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Barry hopes that his attempts to chat up Lindsey will be more successful than his first try at ejecting Callum. Julia and David visit Ron in hospital. Max and Susannah try to strengthen their position. Ollie and Eleanor clear the air, and Tim receives bad news.

Episode 1972 (Th 13-11-97 "Turkey Baster") Written by Nick Saltrese - Ollie asks Eleanor to move in permanently with him, and she agrees to think about it. Tim explains why he is home early from the training camp, and Ben tries to reassure him. Mick receives news about Gladys, and Jacqui confides in Katie about what she is doing with a turkey baster.

Episode 1973 (F 14-11-97 "Different Kettles Of Fish") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jackie is surprised to hear that Barry is going to take Lindsey to her audition in Norwich. Katie makes an important discovery about surrogacy contracts, and someone from Eleanor's past turns up unexpectedly just as she is moving in with Ollie.

[ Set after episode 1973 and before episode 1974 is the special 101-minute video release: "The Lost Weekend", written by Phil Redmond - When Lindsey is kidnapped, Jackie seeks Sheila's help, and while Wills will settle down quietly for everybody except Jimmy, friends from Barry's past help him to ensure that the menace of Callum is finally contained. ]

Episode 1974 (T 18-11-97 "Biological Parents") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jacqui is fertile, but Max is away at a food show in Leeds. Louise returns, and Eleanor takes her to lunch - but will she tell Ollie? Cassie must decide whether to let Mick help with the reburial of Gladys.

Episode 1975 (W 19-11-97 "Sperm") Written by Chris Webb - Susannah gives Julia the day off to go and see Tim getting his award, but she manages to throw the Farnhams' plans into jeopardy first. Ron gets out of hospital, but Jacqui needs to be somewhere else. Barry sets about tying up another loose end.

Episode 1976 (F 21-11-97 "Till Next Month") Written by Chris Webb - Lindsey may not be able to finish things with Barry before Peter comes home. Tim gets into a fracas with Ron. Eleanor agonises over Louise, and Gladys is buried again.

Episode 1977 (T 25-11-97 "Co-opted") Written by Barry Woodward - David hears from Julia that Ron has been asked to organise the Christmas pantomime, but believes he should intervene. Jackie thinks it is time Lindsey stopped making a fool of Peter. Ollie and Eleanor find someone unexpected helping Danny with the washing-up. Rose Finnegan turns up at "Bar Brookie" looking for her husband.

Episode 1978 (W 26-11-97 "Torturing") Written by Barry Woodward - Rachel moves back in with Jacqui and Katie. Mick tries to make arrangements for Leo and Gemma if he goes to prison. David has ideas for an unusual pantomime, and a role for Julia that doesn't involve driving. Barry refuses to give up on Lindsey - but she tells Peter she wants to marry him.

Episode 1979 (F 28-11-97 "Dicko Bows Out") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick and the children set off to see Josie. Eleanor has lunch with Louise, who has a few questions for her. Jacqui and Ron have both written to each other to say the same thing, and Mike's tent burns down - but is he inside it?

Episode 1980 (T 02-12-97 "Happy Couple") Written by Maurice Bessman - The morning after a heavy drinking session, Ben is horrified to discover who he wakes up with. Jacqui may have some news for Max and Susannah, and Peter invites Barry to his engagement party.

Episode 1981 (W 03-12-97 "Laying Claims") Written by Maurice Bessman - Katie worries that Eleanor may want to take her place at the office. Jacqui discovers that the rumours have already started regarding her involvement with the Farnhams - but is there anything to gossip about? Rachel's bed is for sale, but who will buy it? Lindsey asks Barry to leave her alone.

Episode 1982 (F 05-12-97 "Sing Like A Star") Written by Maurice Bessman - Katie is prepared to resign, but will she go through with it? The Johnsons return from Cornwall. Lindsey takes part in "Sing Like A Star", and the Farnhams may damage their relationship with Jacqui by insisting on another meeting with her.

Episode 1983 (T 09-12-97 "Traitors") Written by Mike Stott - Jacqui decides to sell part of the salon, but will she find a willing buyer? Carmel tries to reason with Tim, but he storms out again and returns with a friend. With Mick's trial about to begin, Christmas comes early at the Johnsons'. Ron discovers that the pantomime at the Legion is being planned without him.

Episode 1984 (W 10-12-97 "Sad Cases") Written by Peter Cox - Jacqui prepares to tell Max their deal is off, but can't find the right moment. Jimmy takes Jackie to the school Christmas dance - but how will she react to meeting his supervisor? Louise is disappointed to discover that her birthday is not noted in Eleanor's diary.

Episode 1985 (F 12-12-97 "It's Not Over") Written by Peter Cox - Eleanor obtains the telephone number of Louise's foster parents and calls them. Lindsey prepares for another gig, unaware that there are a few people who are interested in her movements and anxious to intervene. Mick appears in court, accused of murder.

Episode 1986 (T 16-12-97 "Dragon's Bum") Written by Joe Ainsworth - A flu bug is striking down the cast of the pantomime, so Julia has to find some willing stand-ins, and thinks Jacqui would be perfect for the back end of the dragon. Eleanor is scared of how Louise will react to what she has done. Barry tries to rescue Lindsey from her latest Finnegan-related predicament.

Episode 1987 (W 17-12-97 "The Money's Gone") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Ron decides that he and David need a new image to set about impressing the landed gentry. Jackie comes home to find Barry in Lindsey's bedroom. Max panics when he hears that Peter is buying into the salon - but Jacqui and Peter soon have more reason to panic.......

Episode 1988 (F 19-12-97 "Gamesmanship") Written by Joe Ainsworth - Eleanor and Ollie meet Louise's foster parents. David and Ron go golfing, but will they meet any potential dates? Barry wants his payment from Jacqui, but he has already made sure she is not in a position to give it.

Episode 1989 (T 23-12-97 "Hole In One") Written by Chris Webb - Jimmy plans to take over "Chips With Everything" if Mick goes to prison, but Mick may have other ideas. Ron and David go to the sherry and biscuit evening at the golf club, but which of them is correctly dressed for the occasion? Lindsey suspects that Barry arranged for Peter to be mugged and robbed.

Episode 1990 (W 24-12-97 "Two Coats") Written by Roy Boulter - Cassie visits the Johnsons on Christmas Day, but she may just be bringing more bad news for Mick. Ron reflects on his life as he turns 50. The Farnhams prepare for an important house-guest over Christmas, but she may not want to stay with them. Peter is perturbed about the present Kylie has received from Barry, but he doesn't know what Barry has given Lindsey.......

Episode 1991 (F 26-12-97 "For Our Lindsey") Written by Julie Rutterford - In a special 78-minute extended Christmas episode, Jackie and Jimmy decide that it is time for them to convince Barry once and for all that he must never see Lindsey again.

Episode 1992 (T 30-12-97 "Get Rid Of Her") Written by Barbara Phillips - Mick must decide whether to see Elaine, Ron tries to improve his putting, Peter finds Lindsey's story difficult to believe, and careless driving causes a death on the Close.

Episode 1993 (W 31-12-97 "New Year's Kiss") Written by Barbara Phillips - Eleanor is reluctant to help Louise to find her father. An old face turns up unexpectedly at the chip shop. David and Ron celebrate New Year at the golf club dance, and there is a confrontation between Susannah and Jacqui over a kiss as 1998 arrives.

Episode 1994 (F 02-01-98 "Please Give Up") Written by Barbara Phillips - Ron plans a quiet drink with Molly, but David tags along again. Louise and Danny try to find out more about her father from Eleanor, who objects to their detective work. Lisa tries to convince Susannah that what she is doing is wrong - but will she listen?

Episode 1995 (T 06-01-98 "Too Much At Stake") Written by Barry Woodward - Susannah admits to Max what she did on New Year's Eve, and that she has told Lisa their plans. Ron prepares for a midweek "weekend away". Carmel is suspicious when Sinbad's undies go missing. Peter's plans are significantly different from Lindsey's.

Episode 1996 (W 07-01-98 "There's Someone Else") Written by Barry Woodward - Carmel becomes more sure that Sinbad is having an affair. Lindsey finishes with Peter, and Ron's holiday proves expensive. The tension is getting to Mick, and Eleanor tries to reassure him. Jimmy's assistant is looking a little different, and refusing to do much work. Then a policeman arrives.......

Episode 1997 (F 09-01-98 "Reality Setting In") Written by Barry Woodward - Louise decides that she will leave if Eleanor won't help her to find her father. Barry returns, bringing flowers for Lindsey. Cassie tells Mick she thinks she was wrong about him, and wishes him good luck. Ron feels that he has been taken for a ride. Sinbad finally tells Carmel what is troubling him, and it is time for Jacqui to take another pregnancy test.......

The cast:

RESIDENTS:
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (1961, 1963, 1966, 1967-1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982-1986, 1988-1992, 1997)
Sheila Corkhill (formerly Grant) - SUE JOHNSTON (TLW)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (1954, 1955, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1969, 1971, 1973, TLW, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1987-1997)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (1955, 1956, 1959, 1961, 1963, 1965, TLW, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988-1993, 1995-1997)
William Corkhill - MATTHEW and JACK FORAN, LEWIS DAVIES (1958, 1962, 1963, 1971 OOV, 1973, TLW, 1982, 1990-1992)
David "Bing" Crosbie - JOHN BURGESS (1957, 1959-1963, 1966, 1968, 1971-1973, 1975, 1977-1979, 1983, 1983-1991, 1993-1995)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (1954-1969, 1971, 1973, 1976-1980, 1986-1997)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (1954-1973, 1974-1994, 1996, 1997)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (1956, 1957, 1959-1962, 1965, 1969, 1971, 1975, 1977-1981, 1983, 1986, 1989-1991)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (1954, 1961-1967, 1969-1972, 1974-1976, 1980-1982, 1987, 1989-1996)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (1954, 1958, 1961-1967, 1969-1973, 1974-1976, 1979-1982, 1987, 1989-1996)
Barry Grant - PAUL USHER (1965-1973, TLW, 1974-1978, 1980-1982, 1984-1989, 1991, 1997)
Damon Grant - SIMON O'BRIEN (TLW)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (1954-1962, 1968, 1972, TLW, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982-1985, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995-1997)
Elaine Johnson (formerly Davies, nee Charlton) - BEVERLEY HILLS (1954)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (1954, 1955, 1957, 1968, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1990)
Leo Johnson - STEVEN COLE (1954-1957, 1968, 1979, 1982-1985, 1990, 1997)
Eleanor Kitson - GEORGIA REECE (1955-1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964-1973, 1974-1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984-1986, 1988, 1993-1997)
Carmel O'Leary - CAROL CONNOR (1954-1956, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1968-1973, 1974-1977, 1980, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1995-1997)
Ben O'Leary - SIMON PAUL (1954, 1956, 1960, 1969, 1972, 1977, 1979-1981, 1983, 1993)
Melanie O'Leary - ELIZABETH LOVELADY (1954, 1955, 1960, 1968, 1969, 1977)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (1954-1957, 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966-1973, 1974-1977, 1980, 1983)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1963-1965, 1967, 1968, 1976, 1978, 1980-1993, 1995, 1996)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (1955, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980-1987, 1990-1994, 1997)
Bel Simpson (nee Pattison) - LESLEY NIGHTINGALE (1964, 1965)
Ollie Simpson - MICHAEL J JACKSON (1955-1957, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1964-1973, TLW, 1974-1977, 1979, 1981, 1984-1986, 1988, 1993-1997)
Danny Simpson - ANDREW BUTLER (1955-1957, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1968-1971, 1977, 1993-1995)
Lindsey Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (1955, 1956, 1958-1960, 1963-1969, 1971-1973, TLW, 1974-1997)
Kylie Stanlow - JESSICA ALLEN (1963, 1964, 1968, TLW, 1980, 1982 VT, 1988-1992, 1997)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (1954, 1955, 1957-1962, 1964-1972, 1974-1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1989-1992, 1995-1997)
Terry Sullivan - BRIAN REGAN (TLW)
Christian Wright - PHILLIP DOWD (1954, 1957-1962)
Rachel Wright (nee Jordache) - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (1957-1963, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1981)

RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Sharon Bridges - HAYLEY SMITTON (1954, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975-1977, 1983)
Cassie Charlton - EBONY GRAY (1954, 1955, 1958, 1962, 1963, 1974, 1976, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1997)
Cracker - KELLY MALONE (1964, 1990-1992)
Tanya Davies - HEATHER TOMLINSON (1954)
Demon Duane - IAN MERCER (TLW)
Joey Godden - CARL CHASE (TLW)
Simon Howe - LEE HARTNEY (TLW)
Michelle Jenkins - CLAIRE COLEMAN (1984)
Tommy McArdle - MALCOLM TIERNEY (TLW)
Kelly, stylist (1958)
Mo McGee - TINA MALONE (1993, 1995, 1996)
Lisa Morrisey - AMANDA NOLAN (1954, 1993, 1994)
Snowy, rabbit (1954)

NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Alasdair Finnegan - FREDDIE BOARDLEY (1973, 1975) [ Don McAteer (1441, 1443, 1445-1447) ]
Tom Hope - KENNETH HADLEY (1988) [ Clive Marsland (646, 731, 734, 752-754, 756, 758, 763) ]
Bernard - AL T. KOSSY (1977) [ Gummy George Maudsley (317, 318) ]
Robbie Senior - PAUL ANGELIS (1966) [ Detective Sergeant Johnson (156, 187, 194, 208, 211) ]

NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Bobby Bishop - TED ROBBINS (1982)
Dave Clark - RAYNER BORTON (1991)
Callum Finnegan - GERARD KELLY (1954-1956, 1958, 1963-1965, 1968-1970, 1972, 1973, TLW)
Rose Finnegan - AMANDA NOAR (1975, 1977, 1985)
Tony Harris - ERIC DEACON (1985)
Joan Hope - JULIE NEUBERT (1988)
Louise Hope - LISA FAULKNER (1973, 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1993-1995, 1997)
Molly Marchbank - DIANE KEEN (1989, 1992-1994, 1996, 1997)
Gavin Neville - DAVE STONE (1970, 1971)
Mary Reid - CAROLYN JORDAN (1985)
Beryl Thomas - MANDY WALSH (1986)
Bunty Wright - JULIE MULLEN (1957, 1958)

NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Army Doctor - DEREK WALMSLEY (1970)
Barman - GREG PATERAS (TLW)
Benny - DANNY ROMAN (TLW)
Judge Boseley - DAVID CAVENDISH (1985)
Corporal - KEVIN FOSTER (1970)
Heavy "A" - RITCHIE WILLIAMS (TLW)
Heavy "B" - MIKE COLAN (TLW)
Heavy "C" - GEOFF MAO (TLW)
Heavy "D" - BRIAN ALLPORT (TLW)
Sergeant Rose - JOHN MELAINEY (1956, 1957)
Woodsy - GRAHAM HARLEY (1967)

UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Al, a sandwich seller at the hospital(1971)
Abby, a "Spice Girl" impersonator (1982)
Dave, a tutor at the golf club (1992)
Des, an unwanted bouncer (1955-1959)
Jane, a "Spice Girl" impersonator (1982)
Karen, a "Spice Girl" impersonator (1982)
Kev, another unwanted bouncer (1972)
Leon, a barman (1970)
Lucy, a "Spice Girl" impersonator (1982)
Marion, a "Bar Brookie" worker (1980)
Nancy, a golf club member (1993)
Nigel Preston, a wine merchant (1996)
Richard, Nancy's husband (1993)
Robbie Junior, engaged son of Robbie Senior (1966)
Vicky, a "Spice Girl" impersonator (1982)

The appearances in "The Lost Weekend" of Damon Grant, Demon Duane, Joey Godden, Simon Howe and Tommy McArdle are in flashbacks from earlier episodes only - of which there are several more, featuring characters who also make new appearances therein.

The Magic Rabbits' music is heard again in episodes 1967 (Tim and Sharon are watching), 1974 (Tim again); 1992 (Kylie) and 1995 (Louise) - although episode 1974 is the only one of these episodes in which the creatures can actually be seen.

After a few credits flashed over the normal closing image of the Close, episode 1993 ends with an alphabetical list of those who "Throughout the year "Brookside" has been brought to you by"......., rolled over images of many of these people waving from the Parade.

The storylines:

Tim's plans to reform his character and join the army are soon dashed, as the O'Learys move to the Close, renting Ron's house with Sinbad, who becomes concerned about his health. Ben moves into a flat with Mike, while Rachel rejoins Katie and Jacqui, as her marriage to Christian memorably ends when he spends too long in the bath. After a third heart attack, Ron resolves to retire, and moves back in with David, who produces a Christmas revue. Meanwhile, Eleanor moves in with Ollie, with whom Danny chooses to stay rather than go away with Bel, and they are soon visited by Eleanor's long-lost daughter, Louise, who is intent on tracking down her real father. Julia decides to learn to drive, Cracker dies, and Elaine goes on the run, leaving Mick to face trial for murder alone - although his ordeal is postponed while efforts are made to locate her. And Lindsey breaks off a brief engagement to Peter after realising, despite Jackie and Jimmy's best endeavours to persuade her otherwise, that the man for her is really Barry, who has returned to help Jacqui rid herself of newly-arrived extortionist Callum - at a price she can only pay by agreeing to be a surrogate mother for Max and Susannah.......

The dates:

It is Friday in episode 1956; it is 17 October 1997, according to a receipt, in episode 1959; and, based on dialogue in episodes 1959 / 1962, it is Monday / Tuesday in episode 1960 [ Rachel says she locked Christian in "on Tuesday" - although maybe she is forgetting, and it was actually Monday! ]. Danny refers to a play he will soon be doing "for November 5th" in episode 1965, and is seen performing it in episode 1968, in which it is "almost the Millennium"; it is November in "The Lost Weekend" and in episode 1976; and based on dialogue in episode 1974, it was Friday in episode 1973. It is 1997 in episode 1978; it is a year ago tomorrow that Little Jimmy died in episode 1979; and it is December in episode 1981. Based on the date on the letter Max begins to write to the Spice Girls Fan Club, it is 10/12/97 in episode 1984; and in the same episode Louise inspects Eleanor's latest - 1997 - diary. Based on dialogue in episode 1986, it is Friday in episode 1988; it is Christmas Eve in episode 1989; and it is Christmas Day in episode 1990. Based on dialogue in episodes 1991 and 1992, it is Boxing Day in the former and 27th December in the latter;and it is New Year's Eve in episode 1993 - until the last few minutes, when it is New Year's Day 1998. It is still New Year's Day, and it is less than a year since the Farnhams' children died, in episode 1994; and, based on dialogue in episodes 1995 and 1996, it is Friday in episode 1997.

Name-checks:

"Rigsby" (1954, 1959) and "Miss Jones" (1959); George Formby (1954); John Wayne (1954, TLW); Ronnie Biggs (1954); "Roy Rogers" (1954); Dolly Parton (1954); "Neighbours" (1954); "Little House On The Prairie" (1954); Helen Keller (1955); "Superman" (1957); Wayne Sleep (1957); Dr Spock (1957); "Bilko" (1957); Tom Cruise (1958); Mike Tyson (1958, 1970, TLW); Cherie Blair (1959, 1962); "Perry Mason" (1961, 1981); Richard Branson (1963); "Rambo" (1964); "Clampett" (1964); "Posh Spice" and "Sporty Spice" (1964) / "a Spice Girl" (1970) / "the Spice Girls" (1989, 1991) / "Spiceworld" (1991); Egon Ronay (1964, 1971); "Trainspotting" (1964); "Coronation Street" (1967); Sonny (1982) and Cher (1967, 1968, 1982, 1985); "Mr Mainwaring" (1967); Evander Holyfield (1968); "Senor Guido Fawkes" (1968); Saddam Hussein (1968); James [Hunt] (1969); Floyd [chef] (1970); Michael Caine (1970); Burke and Hare (1971); "The Wizard of Oz" (1971); Gordy Murphy [?] (1971); Eddie Murphy (1971); Dr Freud (1971, 1980); Imelda Marcos (1972); "King Kong" (1972, 1976); Bernard Matthews (1972); Bruce Willis (1973); "Braveheart" (1973); "Flash Harry" (1973); "Friends" (TLW); Mel Gibson (TLW); Clint Eastwood (TLW); Yul Brynner (TLW); "The Magnificent Seven" (TLW); "Seven Brides......." (TLW); "Lethal Weapon" (TLW); the Beatles (TLW); Jimmy Cagney (TLW, 1991); Arnie Schwarzenegger (TLW); Barbara Cartland (TLW); the "Flowerpot Men" (TLW); "Rob Roy" (1974, 1986, 1987); "Sherlock Holmes" (1974); Sid and Nancy (1975); "Swampy" (1977); "Rogers" and "Frankenstein" (1977); Vidal Sassoon (1978, 1987); Alma Cogan (1978); "Mother Goose" (1978); Nicky Clarke [hairstylist] (1978); Richard and Judy (1978); Cilla Black (1979); "Surprise, Surprise" (1979); Michelle Pfeiffer (1979); John Travolta (1980); "Scissorhands" (1981, 1987, 1989, 1991); Brad Pitt (1981); the Marx Brothers (1982); Neil Diamond (1982); Patsy Cline (1982); Michael Bolton (1982); Elvis (1982); Barry Manilow (1982); "Ebenezer" (1986) / "Scrooge" (1989, 1990); "Julie" Garland (1986); Tiger Woods (1987); Adolf Hitler (1988); "Paddington Bear" (1990); "Teasy-Weasy" (1989); "Biggles" (1989); "The Sound Of Music" (1991); the Von Trapp family (1991); Ewan McGregor (1991); Robbie Carlyle (1991); Ricki Lake (1991); "Zorro" (1991); "Carlito's Way" (1991); "The Price Is Right" (1991); James Dean (1993, 1995); Fred Astaire (1993); "Delboy" (1993); and George Clooney (1994). And Jimmy is clearly alluding to the "Dave Clark Five" when, meeting Dave Clark, he asks "Where's the other four?" (1991).

Locations:

While most of the action in this season takes place in or near Liverpool, there are quite a few scenes set, although not necessarily recorded, elsewhere. Parts of "The Lost Weekend" occur in Norwich, Basingstoke, and at other points somewhere between these locations and Liverpool; Max is very briefly seen speaking on the telephone to Susannah from the food fair he is attending in Leeds in episode 1974; there are more interior-only scenes at the "Sing Like A Star" studios in Norwich in episode 1982; there are severel scenes taking place in Birmingham, and on the way there and back from Liverpool, in episode 1991; and Ron and Molly are seen a few times in a hotel in Cheshire, somewhere near Knutsford, in episodes 1996 and 1997. It is not clear how far away from Liverpool Mick, Elaine and their children have reached in episode 1954, when they stop and decide on a slight change of plan; and Lindsey and Peter are seen in an airport which may possibly be Manchester, rather than Liverpool, in episode 1968.

Births:

None. It is Ruth's second birthday in episode 1957, and we learn that Louise's birthday is 26th March in episode 1984. In episode 1987, we are reminded that 25th December is Ron's birthday and that Bev had given birth [to Josh] on Christmas morning, and told that they share their birthday with a cousin of David; and Ron then celebrates his 50th birthday on Christmas Day in episode 1990, and again, "a day late" in episode 1991, when he claims to Molly that his cake had "46" candles. We are also told that Joan and Tom are both in their 50s, and Joan had a miscarriage about three years after she married Tom (1979). Ollie says he has experienced parenthood for 20 years - maybe he is rounding to the nearest decade (1995) - and Julia claims, extremely unconvincingly, to be 43 (1969). Danny is 14 (1955); Tim is 16 (1973) / 17 (1975, 1976); William is four months old (TLW); Claire is "nearly a teenager", and was born when Sheila was 44 (TLW); Sheila was pregnant [with Barry] when she was 18 (TLW); Louise is 18 (1976); Ron is "not even 50" (1978); Sinbad is 40 (1990), and "nearly" 20 years older than Leo [no, he isn't!] (1982); and Lindsey is 25 (1984) / over 21 (1987).

Marriages:

None. Robbie, the son of Barry's mate Robbie, is to be married soon (1966), and Peter and Lindsey get engaged in episode 1978, have been engaged for six seeks in episode 1995, but are no longer engaged in episode 1996.

Deaths:

One - Cracker is driven over by a van in episode 1992. Unseen dead characters who are mentioned are: Keith Dawson, a friend of Barry, the same age as him, who had a heart attack - and owed Barry £500! (1965); two Morans [Joseph and Peter], probably brothers, named on a war memorial (1968); Julia's husband Arthur (1969, 1978, 1980, 1989); Jimmy's brother Franky (TLW); Tim's father (1976); Eleanor's mother, who died before Eleanor went to University (1979); Julia's mother (1989); and Norman (1989, 1996) / Molly's husband (1994). Other war fatalities, some as young as 16, mentioned on the memorial seen in episode 1968 are Bennett, Murphy, Cpl Robert Adams, Pte Andrew Chapman, and William Foster.

Toilet visits:

Mike (1956 and 1980); Kylie (1968); Julia (1969 and 1991); Melanie (1969); Gavin (1971); David (1971); Mike and Ben, against a wall (1979); Katie (1991); Lindsey (1991); Sinbad, passing blood (1991 and 1995); Carmel (1991); and Nancy (1993). Leo and Sinbad reveal that Gemma has been wetting the bed in episode 1957; Barry intends to go in episode 1970, but is beaten up instead; and Ollie has spent all morning on the loo in episode 1988.

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

Kylie's friend Lauren (1955); and "Nick" / Louise's real father (1979, 1993, 1994, 1997 / 1995).

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

Gladys / Gladys Charlton (1954, 1956, 1957, 1974, 1976, 1983, 1985 / 1972); Matthew (1954, 1958, 1961, 1966, 1974, 1989, 1990, 1994); Emily / Em / Miss Emily Farnham (1954, 1958, 1961, 1966, 1974, 1990, 1994 / 1989 / 1984) ; [Little] Jimmy (1955, 1963, TLW); Gary / Lindsey's ex (1956, 1964, 1978, 1980 / 1971); Thornton [headmaster] (1956); Tony (1958, 1967, 1984, 1990); JC / JC Bradley (1959 / TLW); Beth (1961); Josh (1962, 1991); Mandy (1967); Nat (1967, 1994); Georgia (1967, 1994); Ron's father (1968); Billy (TLW, 1997); Claire (TLW); Bobby (TLW); Sizzler (TLW); Sizzler's "missus" [Ursula] (TLW); the Clearys (TLW); Rod Corkhill (TLW); Tommo (TLW); Matty (TLW); Val (1975, 1986, 1991, 1996); Josie (1978, 1982, 1989); Josie's parents (1978); Andrew Collinge (1978); Dolly Sparrow (1978); Renee [Doreen] (1982); Jean (1986); Bev (1986, 1987); DD (1986, 1987, 1990); Patricia (1986, 1989); Ruthie (1989); Fee (1991, 1996); and Barry's son (1991).

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

Mary Lou Montana, a country act (1954); Sharon's mother (1954, 1975) and father / Mr Bridges (1954, 1975 / 1983); Sinbad's uncle (1954); Keith Smith, a mate of Ben in the fire service (1956); Patrick, a new friend of Bel (1956, 1957, 1964); Christian's father (1957, 1958, 1959); Sergeant Griffin (1961); Tony, a friend of Callum (1964); Paula, Keith Dawson's widow (1965); (1965); Diane, who works at "Grants" (1965); Davina, a salon worker who lives next door to Peter, and her cousin (1965); Michael, a friend of Danny (1966); Irene, wife of Robbie Senior and mother of Robbie Junior (1966); the Morans' mother (1968); Mr Murphy, Danny's teacher (1968); Jack Hunt, who used to live next door to Julia and Arthur (1969); Gavin's little sister (1970); Mr Burns, who has telephoned asking for Eleanor (1973); Solly Brown / Solly, a contact of Barry (TLW / 1974); the Finnegans' mother (TLW); Steve, Lindsey's milkman (1976); Dolly Sparrow's grandson, a panel-beater (1978); Josie's new husband (1979, 1982) and his son Steven (1982); Eleanor's father, who is in sheltered accommodation (1979); Eleanor's cousins in Birmingham (1979); Mr Bryn Williams, who rings Eleanor about an industrial tribunal (1981); Nicola, who Ben met a couple of weeks ago (1983); Marvin, a friend of Leo and Gemma, and his mother (1985); Sheena, Callum's wife (1985, 1987); David's cousin (1987); Joxy, Louise's friend (1988); Stan, another friend of Louise who has "everything" pierced (1988); Tracy, a stylist (1989); Molly's mother-in-law (1989, 1994, 1996); Sam, a possible driver for the heist (1991); and Jackie's mother (1992).

Goofs:

In episode 1980, Jimmy recalls that he and Jackie gave Lindsey and Gary a "good do first time round" at her wedding. Well, Jackie may have done, with her then boyfriend - but Jimmy, living apart from her at the time, wasn't even invited, and could only watch the wedding from a distance!

Also in episode 1980, Susannah's meaning is clear, although her words are garbled: "The expiry date's due up on this."

Sinbad says he is "nearly" 20 years older than Leo in episode 1982. But he is 40, and Leo is still at school.......

Although he surely means "Judy", Ron refers to "Julie" Garland while on stage in episode 1986.

Trivia:

Barry, who used to watch "Coronation Street" (1967), came back from America a year ago (1965). We learn for the first time that he once had sex with Jacqui, who reads a book by John Bowler (1984), when she was much younger (1972) - and that Sinbad saw it happening while doing his window round (TLW). The telephone number of "Bar Brookie" is 274 8196 (1968); and for the last six months, "Barnaby's", another bar by the roundabout on Manor Park Drive, have been paying £1,000 per week (1961) to Callum, whose company logo, "Finnegan Security", can be seen below the sign "Mersey Containers" (TLW, 1975).

Jimmy was kicked out of school at the age of 15 (TLW), and got his first suit at Jacksons the Tailors (1980). Lindsey plans to read "Marie-Claire" (1971), rehearses at "Quay Bank Studios, Norwich" (TLW), and finishes second in "Sing Like A Star" (1983, 1984). Just before being mugged, Peter withdraws £15,000 from a branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland (1987). The body of Cracker is washed up at Seaforth Docks (1996). Max and Susannah have been shopping at Boots (1962), and Susannah has also been shopping at Mothercare (1981).

Julia, who has had a hysterectomy (1971), and wins a large bottle of bubbly with pink raffle ticket number 36 (1986), lives in Potterdale Avenue (1961). She nominates Tim, who hates "Neighbours" (1954), and has no GCSEs (1956), for "MerseyMart Hero Of The Week" (1969). David loans Tim a book, "Six Months Among The Gurkhas" (1968), and brings "Gardeners' Weekly" (1970) for Ron to read at the Royal Hospital (1977), to which he is admitted following his third heart attack (1975, 1991). Ron later reads "Country Living" and "The Lady" for research purposes (1987).

Ollie only wears white poppies (1967), and is still a manager at Elton's bookshop (1981). Louise was born in Reading (1974), discovered at the age of 12 that she was adopted (1974), and failed two of her "A" levels (1977). Eleanor, who is on her way to the "MacFadden hearing" (1973), is an only child (1979). Tom likes cricket and photography, and works in the treasurers' department of [Reading?] City Council, and Joan is a staff nurse who likes gardening (1979). Ben was rejected by the Merchant Navy (1972), and spent eight months in Greece before he joined the fire service (1981). Melanie plays a character whose husband is called "Ted" in Danny's play (1968).

Katie is seen reading the "TV Times", from which she discovers that "The Sound Of Music" is not on this year (1991), and Mo used to work in a chippy in Park Road (1993). Josie's father has had more than one stroke (1978). She has remarried and is now living in Newquay, Cornwall (1978), and her new husband is an ex-football player with a coaching and personal training business (1982). Bunty does aerobics three times a week (1957). Molly's late husband, Norman, was a butcher, and the captain of the golf club (1989). Jimmy (1955, 1963, 1995) and Barry (1967), are both left-handed, while Tim (1956), Ron (1958, 1989), Susannah (1966, 1982), Ollie (1971, 1997), Jacqui (1972, 1988, 1992), Max (1982, 1984), Eleanor (1982, 1994), Danny (1994) and Louise (1994) are all right-handed.

Sheila's van bears the logo "Sheila's Flower Shop" and the telephone number 01256 327194, while the telephone number on the door of the "3-2-1 Cabs" taxi Jackie arrives in appears to be 01256 32104 (TLW). The "BLUE" club is in Rawley Street, Birmingham, and its telephone number is 0121 236 7283 (1991); and Jimmy wrecks two attempts to remove a lorry-load of drink from "Magnas Distributors, Wines and Spirits" (1991). The Manic Street Preachers poster on Christian's door (1959), the plaque reading "In loving memory of Sue and Danny Sullivan, who died tragically at this spot 4th October 1991" (1967, TLW), and the art by Ansel Adams in Eleanor's office (1967, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1981) are all briefly seen again.

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

The "J" and "L" pages of Max's address/telephone book, which are seen very briefly in episode 1963, list a few people that we have never met, and never will: Linda and George Jackson, Kelly-Marie Jones, Julie James, Francesca Janus, J Jawconski, Colin Linley, and Billy Lloydd.

"The Lost Weekend" features a very brief scene outside Becher's Betting Ltd, at which Jimmy had previously won a bet, and lost a body, in episode 1860!

The end-of-season cliffhangers:

In a "Sons and Daughters"-style multiple-cliffhanger conclusion, this season ends with Ron dropping Molly off at her terraced-house home and sadly concluding that she is a gold-digger.......Eleanor finding that Louise has left because she won't help her to find her real father.......Sinbad revealing to Carmel that he thinks he may have cancer.......Leo returning home to find Mick in tears, as his trial for murder is almost upon him.......Lindsey joining Barry in his hotel room, having finally decided that she wants him instead of Peter.......and Jacqui taking another pregnancy test, discovering that the result is positive - she is having Max's baby!

Season Fifty.......