Brookside Guide.....Season Fifty One.....
by the "Brookside Expert "
BROOKSIDE - SEASON FIFTY-ONE (51 episodes)
[Episodes 2039-2089]
The episodes:
Episode 2039 (M 13-04-98 "Not Ben And Sinbad?") Written by John Moores - Kylie is missing, several of the other residents are injured or trapped, and a second blast rocks the parade.
Episode 2040 (T 14-04-98 "Is It Kylie?") Written by John Moores - Tension on the parade increases as rescue efforts continue, and a dead body is brought out of the wreckage.
Episode 2041 (W 15-04-98 "Losing A Grandchild") Written by John Moores - Survivors are found within the wreckage of the parade, but it is going to be difficult to dig them out. Susannah and Jimmy both return home, and react very differently to the news awaiting them.
Episode 2042 (Th 16-04-98 "She's Gone") Written by Chris Webb - As the emergency doctors prepare to amputate, more rubble comes crashing down on the trapped victims of the explosion. Louise visits Marcus, but he suspects there is something she is not telling him.
Episode 2043 (F 17-04-98 "Real Hero") Written by Chris Webb - Time is running out for the trapped residents, and real bravery is required from some of the others.
Episode 2044 (T 21-04-98 "What Might Have Happened") Written by Peter Cox - Some of the injured residents are determined to get back to work as soon as possible, despite attempts to make them slow down. Others, however, are looking for someone to blame.
Episode 2045 (W 22-04-98 "Information Gathering") Written by Peter Cox - Louise reveals to Katie where she was at the time of the explosion. Jacqui and Ron are interviewed by the investigating officer, and Rachel becomes suspicious when Max seems to be doing a spot of groping.
Episode 2046 (F 24-04-98 "Suspicions") Written by Sue Mooney - When Jackie needs a babysitter, Nikki discovers that she has volunteered. When a present arrives from Barry, Lindsey thinks she has lost Peter for good. A news article Marcus has found for her shocks Louise, and Carmel is finding it difficult to come to terms with what has happened to Ben.
Episode 2047 (T 28-04-98 "Theories") Written by Roy Boulter - Katie doubts that Eleanor will understand what Louise is doing. Greg discovers that news travels fast. Sinbad is interviewed, but may not be believed. Max is embarrassed by Jacqui's interest in his bare bottom.
Episode 2048 (W 29-04-98 "Morals") Written by Roy Boulter - Eleanor is fed up with Louise's questions about Marcus, and reveals some secrets to Ollie. Ron tells Mike how he has tried to conceal his involvement in the explosion. Tim's attitude annoys Lindsey.
Episode 2049 (F 01-05-98 "Uncomfortable") Written by Barbara Phillips - Louise gets a shock when she goes to visit Marcus again, but a greater shock may be awaiting Eleanor. Gemma is being secretive, and Mick completely fails to understand why. Ginger tells a believable story to Margi. Lindsey doesn't think it's the right time to sort things out with Peter.
Episode 2050 (T 05-05-98 "Paranoia") Written by Barry Woodward - Eleanor is worried now that Marcus knows where she lives. Lindsey wants to make sure that things are different from now on, but Jackie is not convinced that they will be. Jason wants a night off, but will the head of the household agree? Yes, she will.......
Episode 2051 (W 06-05-98 "The Making Of You") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick tries to find out from Leo what may be troubling Gemma. Jacqui needs to speak to Peter, but he is busy in bed with Lindsey. Nikki loses confidence when her attempts to revise for her "A" levels are continually disturbed.
Episode 2052 (F 08-05-98 "Real Woman") Written by Barry Woodward - Mick wants some advice from Carmel. Ron and Sinbad are both summoned for formal interviews with the Health and Safety authorities. Lindsey and Peter decide to get engaged again.
Episode 2053 (T 12-05-98 "A Risk Worth Taking") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jimmy blows up balloons to celebrate Kylie's return home from hospital, but then loses them. Max and Susannah show prospective buyers around. Jacqui faces another dilemma, and Sinbad must decide whether to confess what he has done to Carmel.
Episode 2054 (W 13-05-98 "Your Problem") Written by Nick Saltrese - Carmel tries to convince Ron to tell the truth to as he and Sinbad face a grilling at the Health and Safety Executive. Jacqui has a tough decision to make, but will she accept Katie's advice?
Episode 2055 (F 15-05-98 "Tiny Little Detail") Written by Nick Saltrese - Jimmy realises that the job he hoped to get may not be up for grabs as easily as he thought. Ron is sacked from his job, which doesn't improve his mood or animosity towards Sinbad. Jacqui and Susannah go for another baby scan, and are told the sex of the unborn child.
Episode 2056 (T 19-05-98 "Relationship Problems") Written by Chris Webb - Sinbad doubts whether he has a future with Carmel. Ollie is not convinced that Eleanor no longer has any feelings for Marcus. Lindsey tells Peter how much her divorce is going to cost, and Max overhears Susannah selling their house.
Episode 2057 (W 20-05-98 "Part Of The Equation") Written by Chris Webb - Jimmy asks Katie to translate his CV into English and type it up for him. Jacqui makes a final decision about the amnio, so either Max or Susannah is going to be disappointed. After reading another newspaper report about Marcus, Eleanor goes to confront him.
Episode 2058 (F 22-05-98 "Pain And Guilt") Written by Chris Webb - Ollie tries to convince Eleanor to take a break with him, but she tells him she has decided to leave. Margi discovers that there is much more to the Ginger affair than she realised. Julia takes her driving theory test, and Jacqui has a hospital appointment.
Episode 2059 (T 26-05-98 "A Little Bit Heavy") Written by Maurice Bessman - Sinbad moves in with Mick, and tests Leo on his plate tectonics. Greg and Margi think Jason is getting too friendly with Katrina. Jackie tells Lindsey she should tell Peter the truth about Gary, and Jacqui needs to rest - but there are too many things that need doing.......
Episode 2060 (W 27-05-98 "No Rash Decisions") Written by Maurice Bessman - Ron plays patience, little suspecting that Jacqui has been rushed to hospital. But what news awaits the Farnhams when they visit her? "Charlie Chortle" gains an unwitting assistant at a kids' birthday party at the Legion.
Episode 2061 (F 29-05-98 "Off The Record") Written by Shaun Duggan - Susannah reflects on the past, Jimmy has a job interview, Gary follows Lindsey and Kylie, and Margi tries to convince the powers that be that Ginger has been unfairly treated.
Episode 2062 (T 02-06-98 "Coming Up Roses") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy feels that he has let his family down. When the hospital won't give her the test results over the phone, Jacqui fears the worst. Lindsey wonders if she should call Gary's bluff by asking for maintenance. Julia reveals to Cliff that Ron hasn't been entirely honest with him.
Episode 2063 (W 03-06-98 "Different Perspective") Written by Sue Mooney - Jackie wonders whether Jimmy really wants a job. Ollie tries to encourage Greg to make a start on his extension. Louise is being secretive about where she is going, and when Tim picks a fight with Sinbad, Jason joins in.
Episode 2064 (F 05-06-98 "Terminated") Written by Sue Mooney - The O'Learys prepare to leave the Close, Lindsey is apprehensive about Gary's visit, and Julia takes her driving test.
Episode 2065 (T 09-06-98 "Pickle") Written by Roy Boulter - Mick and Ollie receive the OFSTED report on the school, and have different reactions to it. Lindsey may regret agreeing to let Gary have tea with Kylie. Katrina has a major decision to make, and Max and Susannah receive good news.
Episode 2066 (W 10-06-98 "Barred") Written by Roy Boulter - Sinbad discovers Tim about to spray graffiti in his house, and straightens him out. Mike plans to launch a film career, and discovers what Gary is up to with Lindsey. Julia may have found some more housebuyers for Max and Susannah after the previous ones drop out, and Jason suddenly loses his appetite when he hears Katrina's news.
Episode 2067 (F 12-06-98 "Father Figure") Written by Barbara Phillips - Lindsey receives a letter from Eleanor which makes her reconsider mediation. Susannah discovers that she has been gazumped. Jason can't believe he could have been so stupid, and seeks advice from Robbie.
Episode 2068 (T 16-06-98 "Mediation") Written by Barbara Phillips - Mike tries to persuade Ron to lend him money so that he can invest in a film project. Lindsey is worried about going to mediation with Gary, and Eleanor tries to reassure her. The pressure is starting to get to Jason, but can Nikki help? A newcomer on the staff irritates Cassie.
Episode 2069 (W 17-06-98 "Some Other Way") Written by Shaun Duggan - Lindsey wonders if there is an easier way to resolve her problems with Gary. Ollie, Mick and Margi attend a meeting at the school to discuss the OFSTED report. Jason and Katrina talk about their dilemma, but can they agree on a solution?
Episode 2070 (F 19-06-98 "Heavies") Written by Shaun Duggan - Peter and Jackie are worried about Lindsey, wondering who she has gone to see to seek help against Gary. Jason confides in his grandmother, but will this affect his perspective on his problem? Ron is caught out in a small deception.
Episode 2071 (T 23-06-98 "Judgement Day") Written by Shaun Duggan - Jimmy can't believe that Lindsey has changed her mind. Jacqui is not impressed by Mike's business proposition, and refuses to give him time off. Ron receives a date for his hearing, Jason needs to find some money, and Ollie hears a disturbing rumour.
Episode 2072 (W 24-06-98 "Someone's In Trouble") Written by Maurice Bessman - The police arrive on the parade, but who are they looking for? Investigators also turn up, with someone else in their sights. A visit to the chip ship doesn't ease Ollie's fears, but can Max reassure him? Sinbad follows Carmel, but is there any hope for their future?
Episode 2073 (F 26-06-98 "Cash") Written by Maurice Bessman - Lindsey's custody hearing is postponed when Gary is unable to turn up. Mike and Jason are both in desperate need of cash, but how can they find some? Sinbad and Ron have another confrontation at the petrol station.
Episode 2074 (T 30-06-98 "What You've Done") Written by Sue Mooney - Ron refuses to talk to Mike, and Jacqui bars him, after they both find out what he has done. Katrina wonders if she has been selfish, and Ollie insists that he has paid last week's money - but who will Greg believe?
Episode 2075 (W 01-07-98 "Roots") Written by Sue Mooney - Mick checks out some private schools for Gemma. Neither Greg nor Jason are going to back down. Rachel overhears Jacqui telling Ron that she is going to bring in a replacement manager instead of relying on her. Max and Susannah clear out their loft.
Episode 2076 (F 03-07-98 "Dishonesty") Written by Maurice Bessman - Susannah begins to think about names for the Farnhams' new.......house. The Shadwicks wonder if Jason will turn up for his grandmother's birthday. Although Mike tries to cover his tracks, Jacqui finds out the truth about the missing money.
Episode 2077 (T 07-07-98 "Really Proud") Written by Roy Boulter - Jacqui and Mike need to reach a compromise if Ron is to remain oblivious of one or two little matters. Mick is worried abut Cassie, and has a chat with her at Gladys's graveside. The relief manager arrives at "Bar Brookie", but how will Rachel react? Jimmy needs to borrow a pair of shoes for a job interview.
Episode 2078 (W 08-07-98 "Wriggling") Written by Julie Jones - Susannah gives Ron an idea. Sinbad gives Jimmy some shoes that are far too small for him. Marcus arrives back from America, Margi gets a job offer, and Jacqui moves to Chester - but will she be able to stay with Lisa?
Episode 2079 (F 10-07-98 "Opportunities") Written by Nick Saltrese - Marcus seeks legal advice from Eleanor. Jacqui is thoroughly bored watching daytime televison. Mike discovers how his investment in George's film has been spent.
Episode 2080 (T 14-07-98 "Happy Families") Written by Chris Webb - Ollie's plans for a shopping trip are spoiled by Marcus. Gemma sits her entrance exam for private school, but will she even try to pass? Jessie tries to reconcile Greg and Jason, and Bruno asks Rachel for a date.
Episode 2081 (W 15-07-98 "Sentences") Written by Barry Woodward - Jimmy receives two rejection letters at once. Greg has a theory about why Jessie has reacted strangely to his argument with Jason. Jacqui considers taking a real risk, and Ron appears in court.
Episode 2082 (F 17-07-98 "Privacy") Written by Barbara Phillips - Ollie wonders if being made redundant isn't such a bad thing after all. The Corkhills make extensive preparations for the visit by the Welfare Officer. Cassie tries to make Gemma think again about changing schools, and Jacqui needs to make an early morning visit to the parade, but can she escape unnoticed?
Episode 2083 (T 21-07-98 "What's The Occasion?") Written by Nick Saltrese - Ollie gets Eleanor some flowers, and Max gets Susannah a new dress. Surely there are some ulterior motives there....... Katrina wants to start paying Greg back, and Mike starts selling insurance - but can he persuade Ron to be the first to buy?
Episode 2084 (W 22-07-98 "Harsh Realities") Written by Peter Cox - Katie encourages Rachel to ask Bruno out. Lindsey receives some news from the welfare officer. Marcus wants Eleanor to read his book before she condemns it, and Jacqui goes shopping.......for baby clothes.
Episode 2085 (F 24-07-98 "New Life Growing") Written by Chris Webb - Susannah fears the worst when she is called to the doctor. There may be a new lady in Mick's life, and Jessie is determined to heal the rift in the Shadwick family, revealing an agonising secret.
Episode 2086 (T 28-07-98 "No Pressure") Written by Roy Boulter - Rachel takes Bruno back to her flat, but will she regret it? Max and Susannah celebrate their good news. Eleanor wonders if she has seen a glimpse of the "old" Marcus, and Emily runs her race.
Episode 2087 (W 29-07-98 "Who's To Blame?") Written by Barry Woodward - When Ollie loses a piece of his barbecue, Greg helps him out, Max's flowers, and the card that came with them, are rescued from his bin by a neighbour. Margi receives a job offer, and Sinbad appears in court.
Episode 2088 (F 31-07-98 "Some Connection") Written by Peter Cox - Mick offers Sinbad a job. Greg witnesses an interesting encounter between Marcus and Eleanor in their back garden. Katie tries to investigate the disturbing rumour she has overheard, and reports back to Jacqui.
Episode 2089 (T 04-08-98 "Rummaging") Written by Shaun Duggan - Katie is a success as a private investigator, Ollie notices that Eleanor seems to be jumpy, Margi and Greg must decide whether to allow Nikki to go on a holiday to Ibiza, and Sinbad starts a new job - but will fate intervene?
The cast:
RESIDENTS:
Julia Brogan (nee Roberts) - GLADYS AMBROSE (2042, 2045, 2051, 2058, 2062,
2064-2066)
Jackie Corkhill (nee Walker) - SUE JENKINS (2039-2041, 2043, 2046, 2048, 2050-2053,
2057, 2059, 2061-2065, 2068-2071, 2073, 2082, 2083)
Jimmy Corkhill - DEAN SULLIVAN (2041-2044, 2047, 2049 OOV, 2050, 2052, 2053,
2055, 2057, 2060-2065, 2067, 2069, 2071-2073, 2077-2085, 2087, 2089)
William Corkhill - MATTHEW and JACK FORAN, LEWIS DAVIES (2041, 2046, 2052
OOV, 2062-2064, 2067, 2069, 2077, 2080, 2083, 2089)
Ron Dixon - VINCE EARL (2039, 2044-2046, 2048, 2052, 2054, 2055, 2060, 2062,
2066, 2068, 2070-2078, 2080-2083, 2087)
Jacqui Dixon - ALEXANDRA FLETCHER (2039-2041, 2043-2045, 2047, 2048, 2051-2060,
2062, 2066, 2067, 2071, 2072, 2074-2079, 2081-2084, 2088, 2089)
Mike Dixon - PAUL BYATT (2039-2046, 2048, 2052, 2055, 2066-2068, 2070-2081,
2083)
Max Farnham - STEVEN PINDER (2039-2041, 2045, 2047, 2053, 2056-2062, 2065,
2066, 2068, 2072, 2073, 2075-2077, 2080, 2083, 2085, 2086)
Susannah Farnham (nee Morrisey) - KAREN DRURY (2041, 2044, 2047, 2053, 2055-2062,
2064-2068, 2072, 2075-2079, 2081, 2083, 2085, 2086)
Louise Hope - LISA FAULKNER (2042, 2043, 2045-2047, 2049-2051, 2053-2056,
2062, 2063, 2070, 2077-2080, 2082, 2084, 2086)
Mick Johnson - LOUIS EMERICK (2039-2041, 2043, 2046, 2047, 2049-2054, 2059,
2065, 2066, 2069, 2072, 2073, 2075, 2077, 2079-2083, 2085, 2087-2089)
Gemma Johnson - NAOMI KAMANGA (2049-2052, 2079, 2080, 2082)
Leo Johnson - STEVEN COLE (2051, 2052, 2059)
Eleanor Kitson - GEORGIA REECE (2039, 2041, 2043, 2044, 2048-2051, 2053-2058,
2060, 2068, 2070, 2071, 2079, 2080, 2082-2084, 2086-2089)
Carmel O'Leary - CAROL CONNOR (2039-2046, 2048, 2050, 2052-2056, 2058, 2061-2064,
2072, 2081, 2087)
Ben O'Leary - SIMON PAUL (2039, 2040, 2042-2044, 2046, 2048, 2049, 2050 stand-in,
2052, 2055, 2056, 2059, 2088)
Melanie O'Leary - ELIZABETH LOVELADY (2040-2042, 2046, 2048, 2063, 2064)
Tim "Tinhead" O'Leary - PHILIP OLIVIER (2040-2043, 2048, 2056, 2058,
2062-2064, 2066, 2081)
Peter Phelan - SAMUEL KANE (2039-2049, 2051-2053, 2056-2058, 2062, 2065, 2067,
2070-2072, 2077, 2082)
Katie Rogers - DIANE BURKE (2039, 2043-2045, 2047, 2048, 2053-2055, 2057,
2059, 2062, 2067, 2070, 2074, 2077, 2079-2082, 2084-2089)
Greg Shadwick - MARK MORAGHAN (2039-2045, 2047, 2049, 2050, 2054, 2057, 2059,
2060, 2063-2065, 2071, 2074-2076, 2080, 2081, 2083-2085, 2087-2089)
Margi Shadwick (nee Benson) - BERNADETTE FOLEY (2040-2047, 2049-2051, 2057-2061,
2067, 2069, 2075-2078, 2081, 2084, 2086, 2087, 2089)
Jason Shadwick - VINCENT PRICE (2039-2044, 2050, 2051, 2054, 2059, 2062-2064,
2066-2071, 2073, 2074, 2076, 2079, 2080, 2083, 2084, 2087, 2089)
Nikki Shadwick - SUZANNE COLLINS (2046, 2051, 2062, 2065, 2066, 2068, 2073-2077,
2083, 2089)
Emily Shadwick - JENNIFER ELLISON (2040, 2041, 2044, 2046, 2061, 2062, 2069,
2073-2076, 2086)
Ollie Simpson - MICHAEL J JACKSON (2041-2044, 2048-2050, 2055, 2056, 2058,
2063, 2065, 2069, 2071, 2072, 2074-2076, 2080, 2082, 2083, 2087, 2089)
Danny Simpson - ANDREW BUTLER (2042, 2043, 2055, 2062)
Gary Stanlow - ANDREW FILLIS (2055-2058, 2061, 2064-2068, 2071, 2085)
Lindsey Stanlow (nee Corkhill) - CLAIRE SWEENEY (2039-2053, 2055-2062, 2064,
2065, 2067-2073, 2077, 2080-2082, 2084, 2089)
Kylie Stanlow - HANNAH DOWD (2039, 2043-2051, 2053, 2059, 2061, 2064, 2065,
2067, 2071, 2082, 2089)
Sinbad (Thomas Sweeney) - MICHAEL STARKE (2039, 2041-2050, 2052-2056, 2058,
2059, 2061, 2063, 2064, 2066, 2069-2073, 2075, 2077, 2078, 2081, 2084, 2085,
2087-2089)
Rachel Wright (nee Jordache) - TIFFANY CHAPMAN (2039, 2043, 2045, 2056, 2058,
2059, 2075, 2077, 2080, 2082, 2084-2086, 2088)
RECURRING CHARACTERS:
Candy, dog (2039, 2040)
Cassie Charlton - EBONY GRAY (2068, 2077, 2079, 2082)
Cliff Connolly - PAUL ORCHARD (2060. 2062)
Alasdair Finnegan - FREDDIE BOARDLEY (2070)
Rose Finnegan - AMANDA NOAR (2070)
Lisa Morrisey - AMANDA NOLAN (2078, 2083)
Dr Stevens - JANE WHELDON (2085)
Mr Dick Thornton - GRAHAM SEED (2078)
Clerk of the Court - JIM WHELAN (2081)
NEW CHARACTERS PLAYED BY RETURNING PERFORMERS:
Jonathan Broadbent - MARK FLETCHER (2061) [ Colin Baker (1640) ]
John Hewitson - DAVID LLOYD (2064) [ Policeman (9) / Johnno (754) ]
Jessie Shadwick - MARJI CAMPI (2041, 2042, 2051, 2070, 2076, 2078, 2080, 2085-2087)
[ Sammy's Mother (198) / Betty Hunt, nee Parkinson (561, 562, 579, 580, 585,
613, 617, 653, 657, 658) ]
RETURNING PERFORMER, NOW APPEARING AS HIMSELF:
ROGER PHILLIPS (2063) [ Dave Simpson (27, 39, 49, 57) / Milkman (287) / Radio
Voices (153, 154, 158, 176, 184, 197, 306, 309, 319, 337, 387, 423, 454, 828,
835, 948, 1664) ]
NEW CHARACTERS WITH FULL NAMES:
Neil Bond - HUGO CHANDOR (2045-2047, 2054)
Robbie Carter - MATT BYRNE (2066, 2067, 2070, 2073)
Miss Alexandra Courtney ("Ginger") - ANNA WRIGHT (2049, 2058)
Karen Dalton - AMANDA HUMPHREY (2078)
George Duncan - SCOTT HAMPTON (2079, 2083)
Katrina Evans - ANN MARIE DAVIES (2044, 2059, 2064-2066, 2069-2071, 2074,
2076, 2083, 2085)
Bruno Hawkes - MARK FROST (2077, 2080, 2082, 2084, 2086, 2088)
Trisha Jones - SUZANNE BALL (2073)
Paula Murdoch - VANESSA KNOX-MAWER (2082)
Pauline Robson - KIM TAYLFORTH (2083, 2085, 2087, 2088)
Marcus Seddon - MATTHEW BRENHER (2042, 2046, 2049, 2053, 2055, 2057, 2063,
2078-2080, 2082, 2084, 2087, 2088)
Jan Thompson - GINA MAHER (2049, 2057)
NEW CHARACTERS WITHOUT FULL NAMES:
Mr Clarkson - GRAHAM PADDEN (2052)
Mr Scott - EDMUND KENTE (2061)
Fireman - GED McKENNA (2039-2041, 2043)
Magistrate - VINCENT PETERS (2081)
Mediator - POLLY HIGHTON (2068)
Radiographer - WENDY DUVALL (2055)
Registrar - MARK SEAMAN (2083)
UNCREDITED CHARACTERS WITH NAMES:
Ainsley, a friend of Emily (2086)
Andrea, a waitress at "Grants" (2061)
Angela, a stylist (2051, 2052)
Dr Barker (2058)
Mrs Bracewell, a salon customer (2051)
Mrs Fee, one of Dr Stevens' patients (2085)
Mrs Howard, a salon customer whose fringe knocks years off her (2070)
Mrs Kelly, a bingo-goer / salon customer (2065)
Kirsty, a "Bar Brookie" waitress (2062)
Lucy, a friend of "Ginger" (2049)
Lynn, a chip shop customer (2087)
Mary, a poster-bearing chip shop customer (2055)
Paul, a petrol station employee (2056)
Mr and Mrs Preston and their baby daughter, potential housebuyers (2050)
Sian, a friend of Emily (2086)
Linda Smith, an applicant for the history teacher job (2061)
Miss Taylor, head of the Board of Governors (2078)
After the opening titles sequence of episode 2039, there is a collection mostly of short reprises from the second half of episode 2038, but also incorporating some previously unseen images. The action then continues from the point at which the previous episode ended.
"Meadowcroft Park" voices and images, including a "Part Two" caption, are heard and seen again in episode 2049, watched on television by Gemma.
While he is looking at the wrecked site of his shop in episode 2058, we briefly see Sinbad imagining it full of firemen in the aftermath of the explosion.
The storylines:
Eco-terrorist Marcus is reunited with long-lost daughter Louise and released from prison, becoming well-placed to tempt his former girlfriend Eleanor away from Ollie, whose job is also under threat. Ron begins to work for Cassie at the petrol station, and Mike starts selling insurance after losing money (not necessarily his) in a film project. Against all the odds, Jimmy lands a job as a teacher - but he might not be teaching Gemma, as Mick is considering sending her away to a private school. Meanwhile, Lindsey is reconciled with Peter, but Gary returns to make things difficult for her again; and the new relief manager of "Bar Brookie", Bruno, soon has his eye on Rachel. Jacqui moves to Chester to prevent even more people from finding out she is pregnant, only to hear that as the birth draws near her deal with the Farnhams may be in jeopardy because Susannah, after remarrying Max, is now pregnant too! There is conflict between Greg and Jason, when Katrina uses some of their money to have an abortion, and the Shadwicks lose their dog in a gas explosion, which also leaves Ben paralysed and drives Sinbad and Carmel apart, even though he is willing to lose his legs to save Kylie's life. Surely things can only get better for Sinbad now.......can't they?
The dates:
It is the Easter holidays in episode 2041; it is 24/04/98, based on Louise's visiting order, in episode 2046; and the VAT return was due six days ago [at the end of April] in episode 2051. Based on dialogue in episode 2052, it is Tuesday in episode 2053 and Wednesday in episode 2054; based on dialogue in episode 2053, it is Friday in episode 2055; and based on dialogue in episode 2057, it is Friday in episode 2058. There is a 1998 calendar on Eleanor's wall in episode 2060; it is June in episode 2061, based on Julia's observation that the salon calendar is still showing May because Peter has forgotten to change it; and, based on dialogue in episode 2062, it is Friday in episode 2064. Based on dialogue in episode 2064, it is Tuesday in episode 2065; Lindsey receives a letter dated 11th June 1998, with an enclosure dated 9th June 1998, in episode 2067; and it is the 90's in episode 2069, when it was apparently "National Car-Free Day" yesterday. Based on dialogue in episode 2070, it is Tuesday in episode 2071; we are "approaching the Millennium" in episode 2072; and it is 1st July in episode 2075. Based on dialogue and images in episodes 2075 and 2076, it must be 2nd July 1998 in the latter episode, and the [football?] World Cup is currently taking place; and it is Tuesday 7th July in episode 2077. Based on dialogue in episode 2077, it is the 21st in episode 2083; based on dialogue in episodes 2081 and 2083, it is Friday in episode 2082. In episode 2081 we belatedly learn that the explosion seen at the end of episode 2038 was on "Good Friday", and from the newspaper article seen very briefly in episode 2082, it was "10th April of this year".
Name-checks:
"Lassie" (2040); "Star Trek" (2041); "Blue Peter" (2042, 2080); "Doctor Who" (2043); "Fireman Sam" (2044); "Sherlock Holmes" (2044); [Margaret] Thatcher (2045) / "Maggie" [Thatcher] (2076); "Inspector Morse" (2047); Hinge and Brackett (4047); Jack Straw (2050); Jerry Springer (2051); "The Big Breakfast" (2053); "Towering Inferno" (2053); the "Teletubbies", including "Laa Laa" (2053); "Teasy-Weasy" (2053); "Rumpole of the Bailey" (2054); Monet (2054); "EastEnders" (2055); "Emmerdale" (2055); "Galloping Gourmet" (2055); Ken Dodd (2055); "Dolly the Sheep" (2055); "The X Files" (2055, 2064, 2087); Betty Boothroyd (2057); Ben Elton (2060); "Smashie and Nicey" (2060); George Formby (2061); Cannon and Ball (2062); Little and Large (2062); "Stepford Wives" (2063); "Crystal Tipps" (2063); "Mickey Mouse" (2064); "Goodfellas" (2066); Steven Spielberg (2067); "The Waltons" (2069); Clint Eastwood (2069); John Lennon (2070); "Full Monty" [film] (2070); "Peggy Mitchell" [of "EastEnders"] (2070); the Queen of Sheba (2070); "Snow White" (2071); Liz Taylor (2074); Richard Burton (2074); Pavarotti (2074); "Posh Spice" (2074); Brad Pitt (2074); "Sweet", "Stones", "T.Rex" and the Osmonds (2075); singer "Tom" [ Jones? ] (2076); "Cinderella" (2079); "Alien" [film] (2079); Einstein (2080); "Family Fortunes" (2080); [poet] Yeats (2080); Saddam Hussein (2081); "Prince Charming" (2082); [President] Nixon (2084); "Mr Chips" (2085); "Cinderella" (2086); and "Home And Away" (2087).
Locations:
The majority of the action in this season takes place in or near Liverpool, although there are some scenes in and/or outside Kirkham Prison, near Preston, in episodes 2042, 2046 and 2049 - and Louise is also briefly seen at a bus stop at an unidentified location in the first of these episodes. There are also scenes in Chester in episodes 2078, 2079, 2081, 2083, 2084, 2088 and 2089 - although those in episodes 2078, 2079, 2081, 2088 and 2089 are only inside Lisa's flat (and, in episode 2081, inside a Chester hospital) - so none of these were necessarily recorded in Chester.
Births:
None. Jacqui is 20 weeks pregnant in episodes 2053 and 2055, and seven months pregnant in episode 2074. Her baby is due in September (2056) / on September 9th (2057) / in ten weeks (2075) / in nine weeks (2079) / in eight weeks (2081) / seven weeks from now (2083) / in six weeks (2085, 2086). Katrina discovers in episode 2065 that she is pregnant by Jason, but has an abortion in episode 2074; and Jessie reveals in episode 2085 that she too once had an abortion, on April 21st 1956.
It would have been Gladys's birthday tomorrow in episode 2075, and her gravestone, seen in episode 2077, reveals that she was born on 30th June 1944. It is Jessie's birthday, which is "tomorrow" in episode 2075, in episode 2076; it is William's birthday in episode 2078; and it is Gemma's birthday in episode 2079. We are told that Louise is 18 in episodes 2043, 2050, 2053, 2063, and that she is "almost 19" in episode 2080; and it is her 19th birthday, which is "this Friday" in episode 2080, in episode 2082 [But see "Goofs" below]. In the same episode it is also Jacqui's birthday, which is "this week" in episode 2081.
Kylie's age varies depending on the source - she is "a six-year-old", according to Jackie, who is maybe rounding up by a few months (2040); she is 7, according to the television news reporter (2041); but mostly she is 5, according to a newspaper (2044), Neil (2046) and Lindsey (2060), who further clarifes in episode 2070 that she was "5 last September". Perhaps the TV reporter's claim is continuing the ongoing trend of the media getting ages wrong - this arises again in episode 2082 when, although we only briefly see the newspaper report of Ron's court appearance on-screen, and no-one reads out this part of it, it says he is "(57)"!
We are also told that Jason is 20 (2044, 2059, 2073, 2074, 2075) / nearly 21 (2080); Tony would now have been 18 (2044); Lindsey is 25 (2051); Marcus is a few years older than Eleanor (2051); Eleanor is 37 (2053); "Ginger" is young enough to be the daughter of the unseen Gerald Martin (2061); George is the same age as Mike (2066); Emily is 14, nearly 15 (2074); the relief manager, later revealed to be Bruno, is in his mid 20's (2074); Katrina is 19 (2074); the new stylist, later revealed to be Pauline, is "40-ish" (2081); Nikki is 18 (2089); and Jacqui is 22 (2089).
Marriages:
One - Having originally been Max Farnham's first wife, Susannah also becomes his fourth wife when she remarries him in episode 2083. Jason says that Greg was already married to Margi by the time he was Jason's current age (2074); we are reminded that Rachel got married last year (2081); and Jessie reveals in episode 2085 that before she married Tommy Shadwick, she got engaged to Tony Fitz at Christmas in 1955, but he died the following spring.
Deaths:
One - Candy, the Shadwicks' dog, is the only victim of the gas explosion in episode 2040. Unseen characters who are no longer alive but are mentioned are: Tim's father (2043); Margi's father (2060); Greg's father (2060) / Jessie's husband Tommy (2078, 2085, 2086); Julia's husband Arthur (2066); Greg's auntie Elsie, who once got drunk on Boxing Day when he was a kid (2081); Tony Fitz, who died at Suez in the spring of 1956 (2085); Marie, a relative of Jessie (2085); and Jessie's Auntie Mary in Glossop (2085). It is 18 months since Matthew and Emily died (2066); it is three years since Beth and Rachel's died (2084, 2086); and Rachel's father died in the same year (2086). It is almost 12 months since Cassie's mother / Gladys died (2068 / 2077); it is the first anniversary of her death on 1st July in episode 2075; and her gravestone, seen in episode 2077, reveals that she died on 1st July 1997.
Toilet visits:
Lindsey (2040); Katie (2044); Gemma (2050 and 2080); Katrina (2073 and 2076); Jacqui (2076 - twice, and 2078); and Eleanor (2086).
Characters mentioned, so far unseen, but who will be appearing later:
Lauren, a friend of Kylie (2039, 2059, 2060, 2061, 2064, 2069); Lynn / Lauren's mother (2039 / 2039, 2060, 2061, 2069); Davinia, a friend of Nikki (2040, 2041, 2089); Katrina's father (2044, 2065, 2068, 2069, 2070, 2071, 2074, 2085); Demi, another friend of Kylie (2059); and Katrina's mother (2065, 2068, 2069, 2070, 2071, 2073, 2074).
Gone but not forgotten - seen previously and still mentioned occasionally, but not reappearing in this season:
Matthew (2040, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2061, 2066, 2075); Emily (2040, 2042, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2061, 2066, 2075); Dolly (2042); Ruthie / Ruth (2042 / 2086); Tony (2044, 2068, 2071, 2073, 2074); Barry / Barry Grant (2045, 2064, 2067, 2074, 2086 / 2046, 2050, 2052, 2053, 2066, 2070, 2071, 2072, 2073, 2075, 2077, 2084); Jackie's sister / Val (2046 / 2068, 2069, 2070, 2085); Patricia (2047, 2056); Sammy (2047); Mark, bulimia counsellor (2047); Simon, loony (2047); Christian (2047, 2082, 2084, 2086); Louise's adoptive parents / Tom and Joan (2049 / 2058, 2082, 2089); Kathy (2050); Gladys / Cassie's mother (2051, 2053, 2075, 2077 / 2068); Alice (2053, 2056, 2057, 2078); Bel (2056, 2087, 2089); Thomas (2057, 2078); Big Davey (2057, 2073); the Finnegan brothers / the Finnegans (2075 / 2077), including Callum Finnegan / Callum (2059 / 2070); Michelle [Jenkins] (2061, 2063); Little Jimmy (2064); Tanya (2068, 2077); Elaine (2068, 2077); Warren (2072, 2075); Cracker (2078); Beth (2084, 2086); and Mr Crosbie (2089).
And those that are also mentioned, but are destined to remain unseen forever:
Rebecca Doran, mother of another of Kylie's friends (2039); Tommy Mac, a supplier of Greg (2039, 2076); Steve's "little one" (2040); Gozzy / Gozzy Smith, a mate of Greg who runs a plant hire business (2042 / 2043); Fay, a friend of Emily, and her father (2047); Gerald Martin / Martin / Gerry Martin, general manager (2047, 2049 / 2057, 2058 / 2061); Mrs Gee, a customer of Greg (2050); Miss Spence, Gemma's maths teacher (2050); Gillian, a friend of Gemma (2050); Mr Lewis, Leo's teacher (2051); Degs and Jonesey, friends of Leo (2052); Mr Matthews, a client of Eleanor (2057); Big Davey's brother (2057); Eleanor's father (2058); Shelley, a "Bar Brookie" employee (2059); Gary's mother (2059); Erica Taylor, an posh office worker and old rival of Margi for Greg (2060); Mrs Blake, Kylie's teacher (2062); Bernie, Tim's boss (2063); Katrina's cousins (2063); Lauren's father (2064); Sam, a relative of Katrina (2065); Andrew, a "Grants" employee (2068); Carmel's sister (2069); Karen, a stylist, and her new fella (2072); Mandy, a stylist who is leaving the salon (2077); Reverend Chalmers, who Bruno contacts regarding the ownership of St Christopher's Church Hall across the road (2080); Hayley, a friend of Gemma, and the netball team captain (2082); Debbie, a publicist who split up with Bruno seven and a half months ago (2086); Bruno's brother Hector (2086); Bruno's brother Vance, who was bullied at school and now lives in Wales, calling himself John (2086); Bruno's father (2086); the "Country Squires", a musical act who Jessie invites the Shadwicks to come and see performing at St Anthony's Club (2087); and Joanne, another friend of Nikki (2089).
Goofs:
Lindsey's words are garbled in episode 2047: "I don't not longer I can cope, though".
Marcus adopts a curious use of tense in episode 2049, when he announces his impending departure: "It was time I was leaving".
What should have been Carmel's fifth and sixth words arrive before her third and fourth in episode 2052: "I'm gonna go and have to make myself look presentable".
In episode 2058, Lindsey is seen tearing up into at least three pieces the letter she has received from Gary - but the same letter is intact again, and only a little bit creased, when she shows it to Eleanor in episode 2060.
In episode 2061, Max's fourth and fifth words are the wrong way round: "I'm sure it'll be all okay.", and in episode 2062, he omits "it" before "doesn't": "Even if Jacqui comes back from the cash and carry in the next five minutes doesn't mean the hospital'll have the results.".
Julia reverts just two more times to the pronunciation "Farnham", rather than "Farn-Ham", in episodes 2064 and 2066.
In episode 2069, Jason's sixth, seventh and eighth words are jumbled up - "I'd be lying if I ever said I thought about having kids at my age." - and Katrina replaces "who" with "to", and "to" with "a", to produce possibly the most unintelligible line that any "Brookside" character has ever said: "God help any man to even much as dares a glance at me".
In episode 2077 Mick says, "It's coming up to a year since Gladys died."; and Cassie says, "This time last year, I still had me Mum." But it was 1st July 1998, the first anniversary of Gladys's death, two episodes earlier in episode 2075, and it is now Tuesday 7th July - so they are both wrong!
Jimmy either replaces "that" with "those", or "interviews" with "interview" in episode 2077: "I'll be squelching my way into those interview, won't I?".
It becomes clear in episode 2081 that someone must be forwarding Jimmy's mail to him via the false address he has been using on his job applications, as two rejection letters arrive together at 10 Brookside Close with the rest of the post. But although Lindsey is surprised that they both bear the same wrong address - 26 Harmon Road, she seems to accept Jimmy's suggestion that this is due to a computer error, and doesn't seem to find it at all strange that they still reached him.......
Although we were told in episode 1984 that Louise's birthday is 26th March (she was disappointed not to find it recorded in Eleanor's diary), her birthday arrives on a completely different date in summer in episode 2082.
Jacqui recognises that handwriting on the card reading "To my beautiful pregnant wife, Thank you for making me so happy. All my love xxx" is Max's in episode 2089, even though it does not look at all similar to that in the letter to the "Spice Girls Fan Club" which he was writing when she visited him in episode 1984. [ And Jessie, who initially thinks the flowers are for Margi in episode 2087, must be assuming that the card was written by the florist from which they came, as she would surely recognise that the writing is NOT Greg's! ].
Trivia:
Max, who has had his appendix out (2075), says that the house on the Close was built in 1981 or 1982 (2066). He and Susannah offer to buy another one called "Meadowcroft" (2067), and are waiting to hear the outcome from "Sinclairs" - either the sellers themselves, or their estate agents (2068). Susannah finds a photograph of Max and Patricia which was taken at "Fletcher's"' office party in 1987 (2075), and has been shopping at "Next" and "George Henry Lee" (2085). The number of Lisa's flat in Chester, into which Jacqui moves, is 4B (2079, 2081, 2089).
Margi hears that the "FMWA" want to offer her a job (2078). Greg used to work at Cammell Laird / "Lairds" (2040 / 2060), and receives a fax regarding supplies which is signed by "Steven" (2049). Jessie receives a food mixer, chocolates and a CD set by her favourite singer, "Tom", for her birthday (2076). She watches "Jerry Springer", and is proud of Nikki for taking four "A" levels and being about to be the first Shadwick to do a degree, when she goes off to university in October (2051). Jason, her only grandson (2070), has worked for five years for Greg (2074), supports Everton (2070), has known Katrina, an only child (2070), for less than six months (2059), and has been going out with her for four months (2044) / six months (2070). The tax-disc on Katrina's car expires in March 1999 (2069), and she previously went out with a footballer (2044).
Jimmy studies an advertisement for a history teacher at Manor Park Comprehensive School, Park Road, Liverpool L12, for which the closing date for applictations is May 22nd 1998 (2055), and considers applying to St Hilda's, another local school (2072). He receives two rejection letters, addressed to Mr M.J. Corkhill and Mr Martin James Corkhill, both at 26 Harmon Road, Manor Park, Liverpool (2081); and he reads to William from a book called "Polly The Pigeon" (2069), while Kylie is taking to school with her one called "Do You Know What You Want" (2065). Gary gives Lindsey a letter dated 20th May 1998, reference GS/SC, from Plumbwood Mowrem, Solicitors, of 18-20 Campbell Court, Liverpool 4 8TD, whose telephone number is 0151 228 9188, which correctly shows the postcode L43 6TZ (2058). His statement accompanying Eleanor's letter is on the same letterhead, while Eleanor's shows the address "Unit 2, Brookside Parade, Manor Park" and the somewhat short telephone and fax numbers 0151 292 389 and 0151 845 939 (2067).
Marcus's flat number is 28B (2057), and Eleanor, whose favourite poet is Yeats (2080), goes to see him there after reading a newspaper article headed "ECO-TERRORIST REUNITED WITH DAUGHTER AFTER EIGHTEEN YEARS" (2057). After being in prison for eighteen years (2046, 2083, 2084), he is to be interviewed on Radio Merseyside (2062), and has written a book called "A Love Affair Interrupted" (2084). Louise gets him a John Lennon CD for Father's Day (2070), and lends him a book by Mandela that she had obtained from Ollie (2063), who has worked for fourteen years (2072) at Elton's Bookshop in Ball Street (2071), which he hears may be taken over by one of the biggest book-selling corporations, Smith and White (2071). He later hears that the "merger" has gone ahead (2076).
George, who has written a film called "Pushed Out", about a group of Glasgow midwives who are made redundant (2071), went to Brookside Comprehensive (2067) and university (2066) with Mike, who dials "886751" to telephone the Claims Office (2066), and is seen holding a cashcard which bears the names GREENFIELDS BUILDING SOCIETY and MISS J DIXON, the card number 60304, the account number GH689468JUGS and an expiry date of 7/99 - although the lettering looks much darker on the latter appearance (2073 and 2074). Jacqui is then seen in episode 2075 [on 1st July] with statement number 4 for that account, which is dated 29th June 1998, and shows June interest of £147.48 added, direct debits, each of £400.00, on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th June, and three withdrawals on 26th, 27th and 28th June. It would seem that Mike had continued to withdraw each day until he then realised Jacqui had that statement, as she is seen in episode 2076 watching him at the cashpoint on CCTV video dated 30/6/98, timed at 6.05 pm.
Sinbad is going to earn £4 per hour for his new job at the chip shop (2089), and is fined £2,000 plus costs (2087) for supplying a gas hose to Ron, who goes to court in a taxi bearing the name "Manor Car Line" and the telephone number 269 6699 (2081). He is fined £3,000, and has also to pay £450 costs (2081); but, based on the financial position he has presented - excluding funds in Jacqui's name! - he has to pay it at the rate of £18 per week (2081, 2082, 2087). A newspaper report on his trial is headed "Tenant fined over shops explosion" (2082). The residents injured in the explosion are all admitted to the "General" hospital (2041); and, according to a television reporter, "at least 20 people were slightly injured" (2041).
Carmel has been shopping at Asda (2055); Mick has a City and Guilds catering qualification (2059); Tim is still working at Renfrew Building and Garden Supplies (2063); Rose has no children (2070); the wording seen on Gladys's gravestone is; "GLADYS CHARLTON 30 JUNE 1944 - 1 JULY 1997. BELOVED MOTHER OF ELAINE AND CASSIE AND GRANDMA OF TANYA" (2077); Karen Dalton is the head of History at Brookside Comprehensive (2078); Jimmy is left-handed (2060, 2063, 2073); and Neil (2045), Louise (2045), Nikki (2046, 2051), Margi (2049), Jacqui (2057, 2067), Rachel (2059), a nurse (2060), Jackie (2063), Tim (2063), Greg (2065), Gary (2067), Ron (2075, 2087), and Max (2077) are all right-handed.
The "For Sale" sign bearing the name "Atcham Estate Agents", a "SOLD" banner, and the telephone number 0151-692-3216 is still outside the bungalow in episode 2041; the "For Sale" sign bearing the name "Fletcher's" and the telephone number 0151 629 1676 is still outside the Farnhams' in episodes 2045, 2047, 2051, 2053, 2054, 2057, 2061, 2062, and 2063; and it has a "SOLD" sign attached in episodes 2065, 2066, 2075 and 2076. A milk float from "Harrison's Dairies" is seen in the Close in episode 2047, and the telephone number on Greg's van, 0151 269 5941, is seen again in episodes 2044, 2065, and 2081. A skip from "CRS Skip Hire", showing an 0151- number, can be seen in episode 2044; and the recycling bank bearing the name "Cheshire Recycling Ltd" and the telephone number 0151 356 3213 can be seen again in episodes 2056 and 2062. More art by Ansel Adams can be seen on the wall of Eleanor's office in episodes 2067, 2078 and 2079, and in episode 2088 she also has two prints by Claude Monet on display.
"Blink-and-you-miss it" moments:
The following words, including an accidentally truncated version of "devastated", are repeated several times over in the newspaper article seen briefly on-screen in episode 2044:
Five year old girl fights for life: Five-year-old Kylie Stanlow was playing just feet from the huge gas explosion that devasted Brookside Parade. The little girl was buried under a mound of rubble, and firemen had to use special camera equipment to find her. Kylie suffered a fractured skull and had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from her brain. She is understood to be in a critical condition.
It takes Mike's assumption that a garment bearing the band name "Super Furry Animals" would be suitable for Ron to wear while his own clothes are not available in episode 2045, to finally bring on a line that has probably been lumbering towards us with a certain inevitabilty for years and years: "You are definitely extracting the Michael, Michael.".
Episodes 2064 to 2066 are the last to feature the long-running character Julia Brogan. Memorably, in the first of these, she is seen taking, and failing, her driving test; but, eerily, her lines in the second include "I'm going to miss coming to this house.", and those in the last include "I might have found you a buyer there. Does this mean I get some 'remission'?". The actress Gladys Ambrose died of cancer a few weeks after recording these scenes, on 4th July 1998.
The end-of-season cliffhanger:
Sometimes the most simple, shock endings can be just as effective as the
more convoluted ones....... Sinbad is on his way to the pub, reading the "Echo"
as he saunters along the pavement. Glancing around as he steps off the kerb
to cross the road, he doesn't spot a car which suddenly approaches at high
speed, knocks him down and races on, leaving him for dead.......