The episode opens with an overhead shot of the heads and shoulders of Nikki and Jerome, lying side by side in bed. Both are awake, but silent and untouching, and clearly worried. Nikki asks Jerome if he's thought anymore about what they discussed the previous day. Jerome asks Nikki if getting married is what she really wants. Nikki responds in the affirmative, but, on seeing the worried look that's on Jerome's face (a bit slow on the uptake is Rnick, as that's been Jerome's habitual expression for sometime), assures him that getting engaged is, indeed, no big deal. People get engaged all the time and some stay engaged for years. Getting engaged doesn't mean that they have to get married straight away.
Then why get engaged at all, questions Jerome. What does that prove? Commitment, answers Nikki. Loyalty. It tells her he WANTS to be with her. Anyway, she tells him to think about it and let her know his answer later in the day.
Across the Close, Max Farnham is coming out his door with his two children, when (surprise surprise) Jacqui Dixon arrives. They greet each other and Jacqui asks Max how he is. Max knows what she means and says that if she means to ask if he still intends to pursue the headstone question, he has decided against that. He will mourn Susannah quietly on his own. He thanks Jacqui kindly for her concern the previous day and adds that, although he and Susannah fought constantly, she was still his best friend and he missed her. Jacqui, her eyes filling with tears, remarks that Katie was HER best friend and she misses her terribly.
We are treated to another one of the seemingly daily long looks between Max and Jacqui, before Max rouses himself and apologises to Jacqui for being unable to ask her in for coffee. He's in a rush and is about to drop the kids off at the creche. Whereupon Jacqui instantly offers to look after the children for the day. Max says he can't possibly impose on her goodwill, but Jacqui assures him that the Health Club 'practically runs itself' (well, it has to as she's never there) and she has no meetings scheduled today. She'd like nothing better. Max is sure that the kids will like that too and asks Jacqui what she has planned for them. Jacqui says she thought she'd treat them to a visit with Cousin Beth.
Max decides he likes the reference to 'Cousin Beth' (she IS Harry's cousin, but is Jacqui being unconsciously presumptuous in assuming her to be Emma's cousin as well). Max leaves, but returns briefly to plant a husbandly kiss on Jacqui's cheek as she stands outside.
Over at the Dixons, in another Party Political Broadcast for Voting, Rachel informs Mike that the voting cards have arrived. She's putting them on the window ledge. She remarks that there's even one for Ron (why wouldn't there be?). Mike is in a sour mood. A lot of good Ron's card would do him, him not being there and all. Anyway, Mike saw no point in voting. What kind of society did they live in anyway, that would see a decent person like Ron locked up for defending his family? What did the government care? As he wheels himself away, Rachel calls out that if Mike doesn't vote, he doesn't have the right to criticise the government and adds under her breath, 'Not that that will stop you.'
Later in the Bar, Bev and Nikki are talking. Bev asks Nikki if she had her chat with Jerome. Nikki says she has and she hasn't finished with him. Instead, she's asked him to prove his commitment to her by agreeing to marry her. Bev, needless to say, is gobsmacked. But Nikki points out that by Bev kicking off at Nisha and telling her about Nikki's rape, she had thrown a spanner in the works for Nikki. Nikki wanted Jerome to get his fill of Nisha; she felt sure he would dump her and CHOOSE to be with Nikki. But when Bev told Nisha, she caused Nisha to dump Jerome. Now Nikki felt that Jerome felt he HAD to be with Nikki, that she was there for him to fall back upon when Nisha rejected him.
Bev asks Nikki if she's sure she knows what she's doing. Nikki says yes, she does. Because if Jerome WANTS to be with her, he'll WANT to marry her. Bev asks if he's said yes. Nikki says she's given him today to think about it and Bev wants to know what happens if he doesn't want to get married. Nikki assures her that if that happens, then they are finished as a couple. Bev wants to know if Nikki could cope with that. Nikki is sure that she can.
Bev shakes her head and observes that Nikki is acting like a victim again; and Nikki reminds her that she IS, indeed, a victim. A rape victim. And this is her way of dealing with her situation. And SHE IS IN CONTROL. She tells Bev to 'gag off'.
There's someone who obviously is NOT in control, and that's Katie, as we are treated to a silent shot of Katie, looking more and more forlorn and sorry for herself, as she sits in the surgery, staring blankly into space. (Perhaps she's suddenly remembered that she has no friends other than Jacqui. I am sorry, but I refuse to believe Katie is grieving. She is merely feeling sorry for herself and convincing herself that Jacqui has got the upper hand yet again.)
Marty Murray and Plank are sharing a cup of tea. The house is quiet because the Blessed Mother is not about to blind everyone with her perkiness and her smile. (Perhaps that's why Marty is looking relaxed.) He asks Plank how the dinner with Geoff went. Plank says it wasn't bad. He then asks his son how things are going with the Two-Watt Bulb (hereafter TWB), as the pair seem to be seeing a lot of each other these days. Plank says things are OK, in fact yesterday, she'd asked him to marry her.
For once in his life, Marty is genuinely shocked. He wants to know what Plank said. Plank said he was equally as shocked and couldn't give her an answer just then. Marty hopes Plank thinks about this and firmly decides on a negative course of action. Plank then decides to have a stab at acting and portray the rebellious son who goes against the word of his father. He tries to imagine that he has a brain, instead of sawdust and makes an attempt at musing. Perhaps marriage is the next natural step. After all, he and TWB have known each other a year. Marty is concerned. A year is no time. He knows Plank has just turned 21 and he can do what he likes, but marriage is a big step and a big commitment. Is he certain TWB and Daddy aren't just looking for a son and heir to take over his empire?
Plank replies that he realises that Marty doesn't think too highly either of TWB or her dad, but he likes her. Marty admits that he's not keen on TWB (now THIS is a first), but he and the Blessed Mother have tried to make her feel a part of the Murray family, as much as Geoff has tried to make him feel like a part of the Evans empire.
Jacqui and the Farnham children are visiting the Dixons - Mike, Anthea and Rachel. Anthea has been telling Jacqui about Katie's outburst at the prison. Anthea ends by saying how embarrassing it was, and Mike adds that the screws had to carry Katie away, kicking and screaming. Jacqui shakes her head and says that Katie said the same things to her a few days back. She even lashed out at Jacqui in the Bar and pushed her flat onto the floor.
Mike ventures that Katie is well out of order in her remarks to the Dixons. Anthea feels sympathetic toward her, however, and asks Mike to cut her some slack. Katie's broken-hearted at the loss of Flint. Mike responds that Ron did Katie a favour. He saved her from knowing what Flint was really like. Rachel comments mousily that she still finds it hard to believe Flint broke in. He seemed such a nice bloke. This prompts a rant from Mike, who tells her this family is ripped apart enough without anyone ripping it further with sympathy for Flint. Rachel reminds Mike of the times Flint gave her lifts to the hospital to see him. Mike brushes that aside. (BTW, does Rachel know the part Flint and Gobby played in Mike's disability?) One of these days, Mike says, Katie Rogers will wake up to the fact that the Moffatts are scum. Mike is on his way to visit Ron and Rachel asks if he wants her to come along. Mike is surly and replies that it's best if she didn't come.
At the Clinic, Nisha brings a distraught Katie a cup of tea, remarking that at least Katie got it all off her chest, what she wanted to say to Ron yesterday. She could rest assured her tirade gave him something to think about when the lights were turned out. But Katie isn't sure. It should have made her feel better, but it doesn't. (Possibly because Ron hit a note of truth with her?) In fact, the paper is full of the fact that Ron is a hero. They've even conducted a poll, where 72% of the respondents think Ron acted correctly under the circumstances. Well, she's determined that she's going to do something to keep him there indefinitely. No one understands poor Katie, according to Katie. Yet everyone understands Ron, which is why Jacqui could never understand how poor Katie feels upon losing Flint. (Believe me, Katie, she does. Only Jacqui is too nice to admit to herself and to you that she knows now that you spent the better part of your friendship with her, feeling jealous and bitter toward her.) Nisha says nothing, but only looks embarrassed and bored. (How long do you think, Katie, it will be before Nisha throws in the towel and throws you out?)
Nisha suggests that maybe Katie should take the rest of the day and some time off from work. Katie mutters something unintelligible about not liking the job, but that she couldn't be bothered to take the rest of the day off. If she drank, she felt awful afterward and Flint was still gone, and when she did sleep, she woke up to torment. (Gray was right in his assessment of Katie. I am now convinced the is one of those people who are happy being miserable, which is why she'll never be happy. She couldn't cope with happiness. She thrives on misery and self-pity).
At the remand centre, Ron is talking to Mike. Katie's words weigh heavily on his mind. He is overcome with guilt and says he never should have shot Flint. Katie was right. He's a murderer. Mike tries to gee him up. Ron should NEVER think that way. He was only acting to protect his family. What would happen if he had done otherwise? How would he have lived with himself? Why, the papers were full of praise for Ron's action. Most of the people who had participated in a poll thought Ron acted the correct way. But Ron isn't sure. Mike assures him that his family are behind him.
As they talk, Mike opines that Ron's solicitor sounds like a cowboy, but Ron isn't to worry. They'll see that he gets the best solicitor. (What about Nathan?) That's one thing that Mike can do, seek out a good solicitor (as long as it's his dad or Jacqui who pay the legal costs - what about Max's mate Warren?) Mike asks if Ron's talked about his crime with any of the other inmates. Ron says the ones he's talked to are all behind him. Mike reassures him again that most people think the same way - the neighbours have been full of support.
Ron, again, worries about Katie. He thinks, in hindsight, that perhaps he should have just let Flint or whoever get on with burgling the house. Mike reminds him how desperate he was when he bought the gun from Tim. He asks Ron what he was meant to do, reminding him of how Mike was terrorised, and - before that - Anthea touched up and Beth left crying.
Jerome skulks into the bar and asks Bev the whereabouts of Nikki. Bev answers that Nikki's gone to the Cash and Carry for her. Does Jerome want to wait or leave a message? Jerome says to tell Nikki he'd see her at home later. As he leaves, the Naughty Nurse arrives and orders a drink. Jerome needs to speak to her. As she draws a lager for Nisha, Bev gives the pair her classic evil eye. Nisha asks Jerome if he's finished with Nikki. Jerome says he tried to tell her, but something weird happened. Nisha is curious. Jerome reveals that Nikki asked him to marry her. Nisha wants to know what he said. Jerome says he hasn't given an answer yet. Nisha is perplexed. She thought Jerome had decided to give Nikki up.
That's just it, explains Jerome. He's not sure he wants to get married yet; in fact, he doesn't. He wants a normal life, but he's afraid to split with Nikki. What if she IS the one for him and he loses her? He loves her, not enough to marry her; but he's afraid of losing her entirely. (In other words, Jerome wants his cake and wants to eat it too. He wants Nikki in the background, ready for a roll in the hay, in the event that he can't pull a girl he fancies). He tells Nisha that it was so easy to be unfaithful to Nikki with her, who's to say it wouldn't be the same if they were married? Bev returns with Nisha's drink and hovers, asking for payment. Nisha pays and pointedly tells a lingering Bev that she and Jerome were having a private (emphasis on the private) conversation. Bev leaves.
Nisha tells him that love is a gamble. It's a gamble to stay with Nikki because she might not be the one for him; conversely, it's a gamble to finish with her, because she might just be the love of his life. This is a gamble he has to take, but she DOES know one thing - and that's that the love of Jerome's life is NOT Nisha.
Max Farnham returns home to two washed and well-scrubbed children dressed in new night clothes. Jacqui remarks that she treated them and bought his and hers pyjamas. Max is amazed and jokes with the children that Jacqui can come back soon. He asks her if they were good. Jacqui says they were awful - Emma had a tantrum and then Harry kicked off. But she enjoyed the whole afternoon, even the tears. Again, she and Max exchange a look.
Nikki is walking down the Parade, obviously returning, empty-handed, from the Cash and Carry, when she is accosted by a familiar, high-pitched sound: 'Oooooo-hoooo! It's only me!'
(My God! Is Brookside haunted? That CAN'T be Julia Brogan! Brigid? Perhaps Bev?) No. It's TWB, galloping up the street and tackling Nikki. Nikki greets her. TWB just HAS to tell someone. She's bursting with excitement. Nikki asks what's happened. TWB says that she and Plank are getting engaged. There are some girly noises and a bonding hug before Nikki asks when Plank asked her. Actually, says TWB, SHE asked him. He hasn't said yes yet, but she's certain that he will. They hug again and Nikki reveals that she, herself, may be getting engaged soon. TWB asks if Jerome has asked her. Nikki says that, like TWB, she's asked him and anticipates an affirmative answer. TWB gets even more excited and suggests the prospect of a double engagement party.
Nikki enters the bar and Bev tells her that Jerome was by early, looking for her. Bev says Jerome said he would meet Nikki at home later. Nikki wants to know if he seemed happy or sad. Did it look as though he might say yes? Bev isn't sure, but she says that Nisha came in while he was here and the two had a talk. Nikki wants to know what was said. Bev said she tried to listen, but Nisha told her off about their conversation being private and she wasn't able to hear what was said. However, Jerome looked miserable.
Nikki is now positive Nisha that Nisha has dumped Jerome. Bev attempts to offer some advice. Nikki wants to be sure she isn't rushing Jerome into this marriage thing. She really needs to cut him some slack (that phrase again). After all, Bev knows better than anyone about pressuring someone into doing something they aren't sure about. Bev pressured Dave Burns into an engagement and look what happened there.
Marty and Plank enter the bar and sit down. Marty wants to talk to Plank about the serious nature of marriage. He points out the enormity of the commitment, the fact that he and TWB had only known each other awhile. He points out the number of marriages that end in divorce and also points to the number of marriages that carry on out of habit. He indicates a couple sitting at a nearby table. They are saying nothing to each other and looking away from each other.
Marty says they are clearly unhappy and asks Plank if he wants to end up like that. Plank remarks that Marty and the Blessed Mother aren't like that. No, admits Marty, but he and Jan, Plank's mother, were. And that was because they had basically married too young and got bored with each other quickly. (Well, Jan probably did before Marty, but that's probably an upcoming storyline).
Suddenly, Plank remembers that his head contains sawdust instead of a real brain and stops the rebellious act. He confesses to Marty that Marty is right. He doesn't feel ready for marriage with TWB just yet. Marty is relieved and concurs that there is no reason that the two of them cannot remain a couple for a few more years before contemplating marriage. Plank confesses that he'd thought as much all along, but felt he had to dissent from Marty's view for form's sake.
Jacqui has now cooked Max a full-course meal, warning him that this was just a one-off. Normally, if she's working, her meals are the microwave variety. Max is overwhelmed and cracks open the wine. The two joke about being mates and spending a long relaxing evening unwinding. Max jokes that Jacqui is discovering the joys of being a full-time parent. As they prepare to drink the wine, they exchange a THIRD long, meaningful look prevalent to a kiss. Max quietly announces that Jacqui saved his life and Jacqui is pleasantly embarrassed.
The phone rings to interrupt the moment. It's Mick. It appears the duty manager at the restaurant has walked out. (Didn't the chef walk out last year? What is it about that restaurant that staff walk out willy-nilly?) Mick is insisting Max has to come in. He can't cope, and without Max, he'll have to shut the restaurant down for the evening. Max is flustered. He clearly wants to stay with Jacqui and tells Mick that he can't get a babysitter on such short notice. Mick announces that he'll send Vonnie around (Why must he assume that Vonnie won't have prior plans?). Jacqui understands, telling Max that business is business and offers to stay with the kids. She knows Max would do the same for her. After all, what are mates for? When Max leaves, Jacqui sits alone looking sad.
Miserable, mopey Katie is sitting on a bench outside the Parade when Rachel comes along with Beth in the pushchair. She hesitates and sits down beside her. Katie remarks that she's surprised Rachel would even want to talk to her and Rachel asks why. Because Rachel is a Dixon, and Ron Dixon is a hero while her poor Saint Flint is lying de-flinted in some hospital morgue. Poor Pitiful Katie. She laments her fate. She's got no one to love her now. She's lost Flint and she's lost the Dixons. (WRONG, KATIE. THE DIXONS ARE THERE FOR YOU. YOU ARE SLAGGING THEM OFF AND TURNING THEM AGAINST YOU. YOU ARE BORING EVERYONE WITH YOUR INCESSANT SELF-PITY. BOG OFF.)
So now we know the real reason behind Katie's misery. She isn't mourning Clint. She's feeling sorry for herself after she burned the bridges of friendship!
Rachel admits to Katie that she thinks Katie is very brave, going back to work the way she has. Rachel tells her that she sort of knows what she's going through, because she almost lost Mike at Christmas time. Katie carries on about having no one now, especially now that the Dixons have all turned against her. Rachel assures her that the Dixons are still there for her, that they do genuinely care about her. In fact, if she feels she can't reach out to any of them, she can always reach out to her. Rachel will be there for her, all Katie has to do is pick up the phone, any hour of the night or day.
At that moment, Anthea appears, pushing Mike in his chair. They spy Rachel sitting with Katie and Mike calls out to her, angrily. Katie tells her that she should go. Rachel wouldn't want to be caught sitting with the enemy.
TWB comes round the Murrays. She wants to know if Plank has made up his mind about marriage. Plank comes clean and says he doesn't see any need to rush into an engagement. TWB, used to getting her own way about things, is speechless with shock, so the viewers are treated to a 5-second shot of her finely sculpted chin. (Is it really hers, we wonder).
Nikki arrives home, after her shift, to find Jerome waiting for her. Like TWB, she asks him if he's given any thought to her proposal of marriage. Jerome is reluctant, asking her if there really is any need to go down this route. Nikki issues an ultimatum. If Jerome won't marry her, then they are through as a couple.
Back at the Dixons, Rachel is cutting up vegetables. Mike is angry, but for some reason, Rachel thinks he is drunk. He is berating her about consorting with Katie. After all the things she's said and is spreading about this family. Rachel should see the state Ron is in. The very idea of her pulling a stunt like visiting Ron the previous day and spitting on him, as well as saying all manner of tripe. Didn't Rachel realise that Ron was a sick man? That could have caused a major heart attack. Rachel tries to explain that Ron has all sort of support, but Katie has no one.
Mike maintains that's Katie's fault. What's the matter with Rachel anyway? She should take a look at what the family's become now. Didn't she want the family back together? Well, yes, says Rachel ...
Does she want to see his dad spend the rest of his life in prison? Well, no, says Rachel ... Then how can she lend support to Katie Rogers? When Rachel married into the Dixon family, she became a Dixon. It's high time she lent some support to their cause.
Rachel interrupts to say that she was only offering Katie support over her grief at the loss of Clint.
Mike explodes again. Clint, Clint, Clint. If you asked him, Mike would say that Clint is the cause of everything that happened in this family. KATIE brought Clint into the Dixons' lives, Clint introduced Robbie to Jacqui, which resulted in Jacqui being beat up, his being in a wheelchair was down, in part to Clint. Clint was tearing the family apart - look how they were arguing - and yet everyone was treating Clint like the victim and walking on eggshells around Katie. Mike finally, reminds Rachel again to start acting like part of the family and forbids her to have anything further to do with Katie.
Observations:
Another corker. However ...
Grief is one thing, excessive self-pity another. Brookside needs to watch the path it's treading. Katie Rogers is annoying at the best of times, but there is nothing more annoying than watching a jealous, vindictive person masquerading grief for what is really self-pity. Katie is one of those people who have milked
The same applies to the Nikki-Trona association. There's infinite scope for Nikki Shadwick. In fact, Suzanne Collins is developing into a watchable actress. Howver, the reincarnation of Trona as a bimbo is merely life imitating art. There are no storylines sufficient for this woman, basically because as an actress, she's proven she cannot handle the simplest one. Quite simply, she's become an unfunny joke.
These are two characters, about whom the Brookside PTB should seriously think about axing.
Summary © 2001 Marion Watts
Brookside and all related materials are © Mersey Television 1982-2001