Jacqui, Nathan, Darren and Vic are preparing to go on holiday. Starting as they mean to go on, they have a celebratory drink whilst waiting for the taxi to arrive. The celebrations are interrupted, however, by the unexpected arrival of Vic's ex, Mark. Once again, he declares his undying love for her, whilst she tries to let him down gently. Gently? Come on. I ask you, hasn't she noticed that 'gently' isn't working? In the end, she had to tear herself away and hop in the taxi double-quick, or risk everyone missing the flight. Mark is left on the parade with tears in his eyes, whilst Vic gazes at him from the rear window of the taxi as it drives off...
Another emotional tussle taking place on the parade, is between Katie and Ryan. Ryan wants to know whether they are still together or not. Katie, simply doesn't know. She knows that Jacqui's advice to dump him, is eminently sensible, but then, on the other hand... Oh, come on Katie - wake up and smell the coffee (as young Miss Dixon would say).
Over at the bungalow, Margi and Jessie are talking about the state of Margi's marriage. Jessie, doesn't let on about Susannah, much as she must have been tempted - even when Margi found the night-dress which Greg had hidden in his chest of drawers. Obviously, thinking it was for her, Margi decided that there *was* still hope for the relationship, and replaced it in the drawer to wait for Greg to give it to her in his own good time. Hmm, you might have a long wait there, Margi! Interestingly, Jessie seems to have assumed (correctly) that the night-dress *is* for Susannah, although she can't actually know that for certain!
At Brookie Comp, it's the last day of term and Jimmy's sending his class off for the summer break with a plea for them to take time during the holidays to think about what they want out of life and to take responsibility for their own futures. He's pleasantly surprised to receive a number of presents and good luck/thanks messages from the kids. Hmm, good advice, but I'm not sure exactly what the point of that scene was. What we did see, as the kids filed out of classroom, was Matt and Bosko slinking down the corridor with a PC in their arms. And yes, one of the kids did see them...
Back on the parade, Mick's still got no customers and decides to try to gee up Mr Moore, who can only say "All in good time, all in good time". Yes, have you noticed how he's starting to say things twice? Nice little foible, even if it is one that's been done before, elsewhere.
In fact, Mr Moore, is actually on his lunch break, so he's not particularly interested in Mick's concerns - he's too busy putting up posters for his hospital's forthcoming fete (no, they *haven't* got pictures of Katrina on them!).
Later on, however, Mr Moore does manage to put Mick and Sinbad out of their misery. He says that he has good news and bad news. The good news is that the food poisoning outbreak has been traced to a local hot-dog stand and therefore the chippy is in the clear. As Mick breathes a sigh of relief, he continues with the bad news, which concerns Mick's admission that he had sold contaminated pies:
"I'm rather afraid the incident is far too serious to leave unremarked."
It looks like Mick will shortly be receiving a summons followed by a "substantial fine".
Who said honesty pays?
Summary © 1999 Graeme Selway
Brookside and all related materials are © Mersey Television 1982-2001