Neighbours: The Perfect End

This episode is truly a work of art and covered everything. We started with a monologue from Paul Robinson (written by Jason Herbison) and images and clips from the past and present, leading us up to the moment of this beautiful, nostalgic, hopeful, happy and sad finale.

“Ramsay Street: It’s just an ordinary street in an ordinary neighbourhood where extraordinary things tend to happen. All that history. But what does it mean if most of the Street is no more? Are the Kennedy’s really going to be left behind? Time is running out for everyone. With familiar faces, everything old is new again. If the residents have learned anything over the years, it’s you never know what’s around the corner.”
Paul Robinson

They then presented us lots of different opening ‘Neighbours’ introduction titles, taking up from the beginning to present day.

The Kennedy’s

Susan was feeling as sad as us to be losing her neighbours (The Mirror)

We began with Susan, out on the Street to pick up the paper, saddened by all the For Sale signs surrounding her, with Benson Boone’s beautiful, haunting ‘In the Stars’ lyrics. Arriving back inside, she was greeted by Mal, Karl and Harold discussing Izzy and Shane and going through the History Book. Harold asked to leave the book in Karl and Susan’s care and asked Susan to write an introduction.

Mike and Jane

Mike took Sam for a tour around his old neighbourhood, where of course, they bumped into Jane. She then took Mike for a tour round the inside of all the houses where they reflected on the lives they lived on Ramsay Street: Mrs Mangel’s objection to their relationship, Mike moving in with Clive and Daphne, who he considers his heroes, their respective relationships with Bronwyn and Des and their friendship with Scott and Charlene – complete with flashbacks. They wonder how Scott and Charlene have managed to go the distance when nobody else has.

There were three things here that really stood out for me. One was simple but one of those clever little Neighbours details. The first thing Mike noticed at the Kennedy House was that the massive pillar in the middle of the house had vanished. Jane’s comment that someone must have realise the house would stand up without it, really made me laugh.

The other was the way that this tour round Ramsay Street allowed us as viewers to have the chance to say goodbye to each house in turn and reflect on the stories, moments and people they have each given us.

And finally, at the Rodwell House, Jane and Mike remembered one of the most pivotal moments in Jane’s history – when Helen and Charlene got her all dressed up in one of the most hideous 80s dresses of all time, put some contact lenses on her and some make up and suddenly, she was beautiful – no longer Plain Jane Super Brain. In some wonderful writing, in present day, Jane loses a contact lens and has to put her glasses on. Mike is more endeared to her than ever in her glasses, explaining that he has always thought she was beautiful – glasses on or off. No, you’re crying!

Clive’s Despair

Clive drunkenly confronted Mike and Jane (inews)

Actually, Clive was crying. Well, drinking, to be more accurate and seeking Paul’s advice on how to get over the one you love. Paul wasn’t able to help. In came Nicolette to make things worse by revealing that Jane was spending the day with Mike. She is committed to her character to the bitter end, that one! This sent Clive tearing over to the Street to confront them, although how he got there is a mystery, as he could barely stand up. Also, how Paul and Melanie got there so much later than him when he arrived on foot and they arrived by car, is also a mystery!

Clive threw some threats and waved a broken lamp around with Paul and a newly arrived Des attempting to intervene. Thankfully, Harold was on scene and hosed them down. It was left to Melanie, Susan and Terese to counsel Jane, Harold to support Clive and Paul to lend an ear to Mike. It’s not entirely clear where Des was. He seemed to switch scenes! I found it hard to concentrate, as I was half expecting them to all burst into a Neighbours rendition of Summer Nights!

My only true disappointment here was that this was a moment that perhaps Terese could have met Mike. I was so desperate for the finale to give us one Mike and Terese scene, just a fleeting line, introduction or look… just something as a nod to Rebekah and Guy’s history as doomed lovers, Sophie and David on Home and Away. Just something! It would have been amazing. But alas, it wasn’t to be.

Paul and Terese #Praise

However, Terese was distracted, still trying to decide what to do about River Bend. During one of their emotionally charged conversations, she finally took the plunge and kissed Paul. Although he kissed her back for a moment, he then pulled away and ran off! No!!! What’s wrong with you?!

Mel and Toadie’s Wedding

Toadie and Mel got married (Radio Times)

Toadie and Mel’s loved ones were preparing for their wedding, including Karl, who had been linking with the Ramsay Street Facebook Page in order to arrange a surprise. Over in London, Beth Brennan and Flick Scully found themselves making friends and, bonding over Ramsay Street and everything the place meant to them.

With George Ezra’s ‘Green Green Grass’ as the soundtrack, which I can’t decide if was apt or wholly inappropriate – the lyrics being, “You better throw a party on the day that I die,” – Toadie and Mel joyfully got married amongst their family and friends. Chloe caught the bouquet and Mel very beautifully included the kids and Sonya in her vows. The guests were asked to share one word about what love means to them…

Susan: loyalty

Karl: devotion

David: unity

Aaron: My Boo (of course)

Wendy: patience

Paul: respect

Mackenzie: memories (RIP Hendrix)

The Great Migration

Aaron and David and their family are staying on Ramsay Street (Radio Times)

With all the love in the air and all the sorrow in her heart, Terese rushed away from the wedding with Paul hot on her heels. They finally admitted they were still in love with each other but Paul was reluctant to pursue things, aware that he couldn’t change but didn’t want to hurt her again. Terese revealed her word about love: acceptance. She knows who Paul is and she accepts him. They got back together! Hooray! I have held out hope all this time and I finally got what I wanted! Joy!

After a phone call to Shane, who in a matter of moments went from being outside the hotel to post-sex with Izzy, Paul and Terese returned to their loved ones to reveal that the hotel was no longer being sold, Terese was not buying River Bend (presumably she’s remaining involved in the hotel now?) and they were staying put in Erinsborough.

This led to the rest of them doing some rather swift soul searching. Leo very quickly decided to stay put. Nicolette and Kiri got back together so she wanted to stay put. And subsequently, that made David and Aaron’s decision for them.

Mike and Jane (again)

Mike and Jane finally got their happy ever after (Metro)

Des and Sam encouraged Mike to spend some time with Jane while everyone else was at the wedding ceremony. While Jane believed that she was too damaged for them to be able to have a relationship, Mike was certain she was wrong. He tells her more of his story – the breakdown of his marriage and how it affected him, his love for his daughter and his own damage. He is certain that neither of them should give up on being happy.

A Minor Quibble

Current and Returning Cast: Georgie Stone, Gemma Bird Matheson, April Rose Pengilly, Jodi Anasta, Ben Hall, Olivia Junkeer, Phoebe Roberts, Charlotte Chimes & Zima Anderson (Digital Spy)

I am thrilled that Neighbours chose to use the finale to complete Jane’s story. She has been in the show since its earliest days (albeit with a big gap) and by the very nature of her character, she has always been the character who didn’t step into the spotlight. To let her shine so brightly is a beautiful thing, not to mention, to reunite her with Mike, her first love. It’s just amazing. And I love that such a huge star as Guy Pearce loves Neighbours so much and is so proud and respectful of the show that made him a star, that he would come back and give it everything he has, playing Mike again for these two episodes.

However, my only very minor quibble with this otherwise perfect episode (and I know my opinion isn’t going to be popular but hear me out) is that I feel that could have told Jane and Mike’s story with slightly less screen time. I loved that the connection between them was still so strong. I loved their tour round Ramsay Street. I loved having Guy Pearce back and having Annie Jones be pushed to the front of the stage. But all the extra detail between Jane and Mike could have been trimmed, even just a little, so that the rest of our beloved characters could also have their moment in the sun. A lot of them were hardly seen and I don’t feel we got a proper goodbye to them. Some of them got more air time in the lead up episodes – Chloe, for example. But Aaron and David, Mackenzie… just to name a couple… I don’t feel, after everything they have given the show, really got the send off that they deserved.

And there were some returning actors that I hardly remember seeing, if I even saw them at all – like Scott Major (who also direction the episode) and Ben Hall (I think I spotted Ned kissing Yashvi at the end but otherwise, who knew he was there?!) I gather that there was a moment between Ned and Beth that the UK audience didn’t get to see because Channel 5 cut it or because Channel 10 required more footage – I’m not sure which way round this was. But anyway, that was just my two pennies worth. It’s my blog, I’ll say what I want to!

Scott and Charlene: Home Sweet Home

Scott and Charlene visited Ramsay Street (Sky News)

Back to the Street and Mike and Des weren’t the only original faces back in town! With so many of the old gang back, Paul had taken it upon himself to invite Scott and Charlene over for a visit. But upon their arrival, the whole place was deserted, as everyone was at the wedding. Naughty Charlene’s first instinct was to try and break into her old house, through the window, as she had when it belonged to her mother, allowing her and Scott to meet for the first time and he had tried to stop her – and she had punched him for his trouble! They were later thrilled to be reunited with best friends, Mike and Jane. Plus Harold and Paul.

Since the episode aired, I have heard a lot of complaints about Kylie’s lack of dialogue. Well, firstly, this is Queen Kylie we’re talking about! But secondly and more seriously, re: my above comments, I loved that Kylie and Jason literally came back for a tiny cameo. All we have seen since the announcement that Neighbourswas ending was out of date footage of Scott and Charlene in the 80s and none of the incredible work that the current cast and crew have been putting out every day since. So, I thought it was a real tribute to the current cast that Kylie and Jason didn’t come in and make it all about them. They could have. Easily. But they just came in, did their thing, added their own brand of magic on the side and let the rest of the cast shine. And it was beautiful.

The Video

Beth and Flick made friends (@edwardskylover)

At the wedding reception, Karl gathered Toadie, Mel and the rest of the wedding party for his big surprise – a wedding video full of messages from past residents, wishing them well on their wedding day. And what a joy it was! There were messages from:

Beth Brennan (Natalie Imbruglia)
Naomi Canning (Morgana O’Reilly)
Sharon Davies (Jessica Muschamp)
Donna Freedman (Margot Robbie)
Billy Kennedy (Jesse Spencer)
Libby Kennedy (Kym Valentine)
Joe Mangel (Mark Little)
Stuart Parker (Blair McDonough)
Tad Reeves (Jonathan Dutton)
Flick Scully (Holly Valance)
Steph Scully (Carla Bonner)
Nina Tucker (Delta Goodrem)
Lance Wilkinson (Andrew Bibby)

The video included Beth and Flick having gone for a drink and made the best of friends. There is something quite wonderful about Beth and Flick meeting in the park and then going and getting drunk together to record a message for the wedding! It was very funny, Beth acknowledging that she hasn’t got a clue who either Mel or Toadie are! I heard that the Aussie version also included a video message from Sky Mangel (Stephanie Mackintosh); this was cut from the UK version. A real shame.

While the video persuaded Toadie and Mel that they really cannot leave their home on Ramsay Street, I think I can speak for us as viewers when I say it is a real confirmation of the joy of Neighbours that so many people joined together to say their goodbyes to this show – including such big hitters as Margot Robbie, Jesse Spencer and Delta Goodrem and people who date back so far as Mark Little and Jessica Muschamp. Absolutely amazing.

The Future of Ramsay Street Residents

Chloe had been fretting that she contacted Elly that morning but no response so imagine her surprise when both Elly and Bea turned up unannounced. Elly and Chloe finally get together for good! I am beyond thrilled!

Along with Terese, Toadie and Aaron and David, the Rodwell’s decided to stay put, leaving only Chloe’s house on the market. With his deal having fallen through with Paul, Shane decided not to buy Chloe’s house. Instead, Mike decided to buy it and was also keen to see if there was a teaching position available at the local high school so that he and Jane could make a go of things. Meanwhile, Clive decided to move to L.A. to start again.

Amy announced that she was pregnant by someone they all knew. Well, Lance gave a cheeky wink in the wedding video. But she also recently spent time with Joel, who turned up at the wedding reception, despite saying he couldn’t make it. So, who was it, Amy?

Goodbye

Susan reflected on life on Ramsay Street (Metro)

In probably the sweetest moment of the whole episode and one of my most favourites, Susan sat down, ready to write her introduction to the History Book. She stopped Karl on his way out and told him she loved him. He returned the sentiment and headed back out to the party. It was so simple but so lovely.

We were then led into the finish of the episode and indeed, the whole show, with a beautiful monologue from Ramsay Street stalwart, Susan Kennedy, the guiding light of the Street for so many years. I have many favourite characters on Neighbours but Susan and indeed Jackie Woodburne will definitely be one of the central people I will miss each weekday. As she narrated, she stepped out, into the party, where everyone was having fun. She said:

“How do you begin to describe a Street? Do you talk about the houses, the bricks and the mortar, the gardens and the trees? Or do you talk about the people – the young, the old and everyone in between? And where do you begin with the history, do you start with your own or those who came before you? When we moved to Ramsay Street, the community was already here – the Ramsay’s and the Robinsons. The stories from those early days are legendary and their legacy still lives on today. There have been many families over the years of all shapes and sizes, some of them unexpected and friends who became like family, whether they were related or not. Love has always been a central theme. How many romances were born on the Street? Things seldom ran smoothly, of course but they usually worked out in the end. I think of all the people who never crossed paths who could have been great friends and all those who kept turning up whether we welcomed them or not. The Street always has a way of bringing people back. Then I think of the people who can’t come back, the people gone too soon. How would they look if they were still alive today – if they’d been allowed to reach their potential? So many people that were lost. And then others, others who were just lost. I think you have to acknowledge everything, celebrate it all – the good, the bad, because all of that makes us who we are. Everyone deserves a place in the history of Ramsay Street, even those who watched us from afar. Together, we have been the perfect blend.”
Susan Kennedy

During her narration, she observed all the partying, taking time to see:

Susan imaged Madge and Doug sitting with Harold (Metro)

Lucy, Chris and the kids playing cricket (of course). There had to be a cricket match in there somewhere.
She saw all the happy couples like Aaron and David, Chloe and Elly, Nicolette and Kiri (what a beautiful rainbow family Neighbours has created).
She saw new couple, Izzy and Shane, showing that Ramsay Street accepts everyone, really, no matter what.
Scott and Charlene were up on the decking of their old house, observing all the fun as a nod to Ramsay Street’s rich history.
As she reflected on lives lost, she imagined Harold sitting with Madge and Doug, Mackenzie enjoying the wedding with Hendrix and Sonya sharing the moment with her children (what amazing guest stars to be able to have, showing just how creative this show really is!)
She even imagined Finn Kelly, a life that could have gone a different way (another amazing, fleeting guest star).

Susan imagined Hendrix and Mackenzie living their life together (Metro)

Susan imagined Sonya with her children (Metro)

I think this is my favourite moment in the whole episode, beautiful commanded by the incredible Jackie Woodburne, who I have adored the second she stepped onto Ramsay Street when I was just a child. And of course, I can’t speak for everyone but for myself and reading online, the line that references us, the fans, means so much. I mean, I was holding it together through the episode until Susan started talking! At the end of her reflection, she was joined by Karl (and Paul, Terese and Toadie) who asked her where she had been.

“I was home,” she said.

Karl and Susan – enduring love to the end (Digital Spy)

Cue the original Neighbours theme, as Paul, Harold, Mike and Jane joined Scott and Charlene on the decking, all having fun together and watching the party on the Street below. Even Philip Martin came to join in the fun (sadly not in his butterscotch shirt!) Despite her Dad’s protestations, Nell released one of the balloons, scattering confetti over everyone. And they all cheer! It finishes on one final shot of Karl and Susan. What a perfect end.

Old School Ramsay Street Residents observe all the fun below (Metro)

The final credits run through (most of – thanks for editing them down, Channel Five – you take with one hand and… no, wait, that’s it) the old to new theme tunes, full of lovely photos of special moments from Neighbourshistory.

I am so devastated that it is over but Neighbours, you couldn’t have handled this with more grace, love, joy or dignity. I am so excited to see what all of you do next. And I truly hope that this isn’t the last we see of Ramsay Street and that sometime in the near future, the show comes back in some format. For now, be proud of everything you have all achieved.

Neighbours – we will always love you (BBC)

Name Drops: Jim Robinson, Helen Daniels, Bouncer, Mrs Mangel, Daphne Clarke, Bronwyn Davies

Arrivals: Des Clarke, Scott Robinson, Charlene Robinson, Elly Conway, Bea Neilson, Lauren Willis, Zara Greenwood, Ned Willis, Joel Samuels, Madge Bishop (a ghost), Hendrix Grayson (a ghost) Finn Kelly (a ghost), Sonya Rebecchi (a ghost), Doug Willis (a ghost), Beth Brennan (in London & on video), Flick Scully (in London & on video), Sharon Davies (on video), Donna Freedman (on video), Billy Kennedy (on video), Libby Kennedy (on video), Joe Mangel (on video), Stuart Parker (on video), Tad Reeves (on video), Nina Tucker (on video) and Lance Wilkinson (on video)

Departures: Clive (moving to L.A.), Chloe (moving to Sydney)

Everybody Needs Good Neighbours!

Like many, I read the news this weekend that Channel 5 are dropping Neighbours from its schedule later this year. And like many, I am absolutely devastated. This is even worse than when it was dropped by the BBC, back in 2008, as the show itself was never under any threat. Channel 5 were heroes then for rescuing us and picking it up and now they are robbing us by taking it away. But worse because now, with the show’s popularity largely relying on its UK audience, if it has nowhere to air over here, it may have to end production altogether. I mean, if Channel 5 murder one of the most iconic programmes in television history, it will never be forgiven! I’m not entirely sure what home grown and exciting drama they think they’re going to serve up to replace it. Or what audience they think they’re going to attract in Neighbours’ time slot. Whoever came up with this decision has made a huge mistake. I just hope they’re not too proud to retract it.

Classic 90’s wedding: Brad and Beth (sadly, he’d been cheating on her with Lauren!)

It has been brilliant to see online, all the calls to #saveneighbours. This show has been part of so many peoples’ lives for such a long time. Especially for people of my generation, it was part of our childhood. It was part of our routine. You got home from school. Then a 5:10pm, Home and Away was on ITV, followed by Neighbours at 5:35pm on BBC1. When I started secondary school, I remember, we did an ‘ice breaker’, where we had to go round the class, introducing ourselves to each other – mingling, if you will – and asking each other questions from a list. We had to have a different name down to each of the questions. The only question I remember was, “Find someone who doesn’t watch Neighbours.” I remember it because it was so hard! Finally, someone found one girl in the entire class who didn’t watch it! One out of thirty! Because it was 1995 and everyone watched Neighbours. Everyone watched it. Everyone talked about watching it. And everyone loved it.

Scott and Charlene: One of the most famous TV weddings ever!

And clearly, people still love it. It’s part of the fabric of our childhoods. It has launched the careers of so many people. I mean, come on! Without Neighbours, we would not have Kylie.

I am going to repeat that: Without Neighbours WE WOULD NOT HAVE KYLIE.

Can you even imagine that? A world without Kylie? I can’t even bring myself to think about it. Awful!

Finn Kelly is one of Ramsay Street’s most notorious killers and was a huge part of the show’s 35th anniversary story

And to bring the discussion and my strongly worded objection into present day, Neighbours is no longer stories about dogs having dreams and dead characters who were washed away, turning up with amnesia anymore (although they aren’t averse to the odd dead character reappearing still but what soap isn’t? You only know a character in Hollyoaks is dead if you’ve seen the body!) Of course, it has its sense of fun and silliness. It’s Neighbours. They’ve also done massive stories that have the flare of slightly over the top Aussie soap drama but are so incredibly absorbing and entertaining, such as the Finn Kelly murder plot or when Andrea Sommers arrived, the spitting image of ‘dead’ Dee Bliss (and played by the same actress). But it is so much more than that.

In recent years, it has tackled so many important stories: Huntington’s, testicular cancer, grief, fostering, alcoholism, just to name a few. I don’t think I have cried more in a soap than when Sonya Rebecchi died of cancer, after everything she and Toadie had been through together in their marriage. It’s been years and I am still not ready for him to move on…. But that’s my issue…

Aaron and David are one of the best soap couples ever!

Anyway, one of the central most fantastic things about Neighbours is its celebration of the LGBTQ community. They raise the rainbow flag far higher than any other soap, including any of the British ones and so high above Home and Away that they can’t even see it. The flag is a dot to them! Neighbours were holding Pride events long before any other soaps were. They have Aaron and David as one of the most established and stable, not to mention loved couples in the whole show. They got married on screen (walking down the aisle incidentally to ‘Especially For You’ by Kylie and Jason), they have been foster parents and now have a child of their own through a surrogate.

Mackenzie has been such a wonderful addition to the show

They have a wonderful bisexual character in Chloe – who is actually bisexual, not heterosexual but got given a gay storyline once, as happens so often on television. Plus, they have a lesbian character. Plus, they have a trans female character, who is played by trans activist Georgie Stone, who has put so much work into her character in order to educate and connect the audience with her journey and experience.

For all of these reasons and more, Neighbours needs to stay on air. Channel 5 should be grateful to Neighbours and the diversity, humour, education and drama it provides, not sling it off the shelf. It does get decent viewing figures and it is a well-loved show. It means a lot to people, as can be seen from the outpouring online after the announcement that it would be dropped.

So please, Channel 5, reconsider. You might find something else to replace it but it will never be Neighbours.

Home and Away: Confrontations

(Monday 16^th – Friday 20^th November)

Well, everything went rather sour between Ziggy and Tane when she discovered his van of stolen goods at the garage. Her disappointment in him when she had been so pleased with his efficiency and been praising him so much to Ari, was massive. He did sort everything out and Justin suspected nothing but Tane is going to have to work pretty hard to make things up to her.

Tane is up to his neck in stolen goods…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Justin decided to have radiotherapy rather than surgery on his returned tumour. Tori was more concerned with her fledgling relationship with surgeon, Christian. She has become exceptionally annoying. It’s embarrassing. The writers should actually be ashamed. This is a strong, independent woman who survived witness protection, a coma and goodness knows what else that I’m not aware of because I haven’t watched the show for long enough. She’s not only a Doctor but the Head of the ED. She decided to have a baby on her own. And yet they’ve turned her in a quivering wreck of a woman because a handsome Doctor has given her a second glance? Really?! I mean, I know Jasmine’s issues with her talking about Christian are her own but I don’t blame her. Every time she comes on screen at the moment, I want to turn the TV off! Home and Away really do tend to push women back rather than propel them forward sometimes. It’s a problem.

Tori is all of a flutter…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

So, Bella and Nikau got back together and were happy for all of five minutes until Nik’s mother, Gemma called from New Zealand. She finally remembered she had a son who she previously adored and would never have been apart from all this time and now that she had decided to stay in New Zealand, wanted him to come and live with her. I for one, am very disappointed she left the show. She was a great character and a very stabilising influence on those boys. But like Bella, I also hope that Nik doesn’t go off to live with her, although he is seriously considering it. He even got the restrictions lifted off his passport.

Clever Detective Rosetta finally twigged that Colby and Taylor have been having an affair right under his nose for weeks! Half the Bay already know. Well, he always was a bit slow to catch on. Remember when Belle Taylor cheated on him all those years ago? And remember when Charlie Buckton actually wasn’t cheating on him and he got so obsessed that he started stalking her and fell out of a tree outside her therapist’s office? Pillar of the community we have here!

Anyway, first he failed to officially label Colby as a suspect in the murder investigation because he didn’t have enough evidence. Then he rooted through his wife’s phone and found all her calls and texts had been deleted. So he got hold of her phone records and found all the calls she and Colby had been making to each other. He then began asking questions of colleagues (who dutifully gave Colby the heads up and gave Angelo a good report) about Colby’s character.

Angelo is suspicious…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

He took things further by telling Taylor that a witness had come forward, confirming Colby’s guilt. As he expected, Taylor rushed to Colby with the news and Colby denied everything. Angelo photographed them kissing. The next day, Angelo was very nice to Colby. Weirdly nice. Creepy, even. He then gave Taylor a necklace, apparently to apologise for all his long hours. The necklace turned out to be bugged so that he could listen in on her clandestine conversations with Colby.

Colby and Taylor just can’t help themselves…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

After yet more arguments regarding Jai, including Amber and Mac almost coming to fisticuffs, Dean reluctantly decided to take Amber to court to put formal custody arrangements in place. In a fit of anger, he drove over to Francesca’s house, he found Jai alone.

Home and Away currently airs on weekdays @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5

Sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Neighbours: The Scarlett Woman

(Monday 9^th – Friday 13^th November 2020)

Pierce and Dipi continued their affair, apparently without guilt. They were almost caught out by Hendrix, who I feel incredibly sorry for. He really believes in his Dad and he adores Chloe. He is going to be so hurt when the truth comes tumbling out. He was further concerned when he found Chloe getting drunk with Nicolette but Harlow persuaded him to keep his cool. However, he did persuade his stepmother to focus on her marriage and set boundaries with her friend. Little do any of them know, she needn’t bother.

Things became even more fragmented between the couple when they heard the news that Pierce’s ex, Lisa has had her baby. While it gave Chloe food for thought about the future, Pierce (with a new face) completely shut her down regarding any kind of serious conversation about their relationship.

Pierce has a new face!
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Dipi wasn’t best pleased when Shane suggested a camping trip. Nothing he suggests is going to be good enough now, as if it were good enough before. I feel sorry for him. I know he messed up but he is trying. And he is a lot more interesting than Pierce. Dipi is making a huge mistake.

David and Aaron told supportive Chloe about their surrogacy plan. Nicolette is looking more and more besotted with Chloe in every scene. It’s quite sweet.

Karl couldn’t help sticking he nose in by telling Jane that Nicolette was working as a nurse in London when she claimed she wasn’t. The truth came out that Nicolette visited Mrs Mangel and came out to her, upsetting her on the day she died. In one fell swoop, interfering Karl has ruined the fragile relationship Jane and Nicolette have built up. And also ruined Susan’s cunning plan to get rid of Jane and have her move in with Nicolette and the boys. Nicolette made no secret of her fury with Karl, who breached confidentiality by looking through her records and passing information onto her mother. Ever kind and thoughtful, Chloe attempted to advocate for Nicolette with Jane.

Janes struggles with the latest revelations…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Some humour for the week involved Roxy secretly and very naughtily taking Ned’s portrait of Paul all around the town for people to tag themselves with it on social media. This only infuriated Paul more, as he already hated the portrait and it was becoming even more infamous. Unfortunately, when Terese was bringing it home in Bea’s van, she ended up running Kyle over, as Scarlett (who is not dead – what a non-shock), had cut the fluid to the steering wheel.

Terese accidentally runs Kyle over…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Between this victimisation of Bea and Ned thinking he has seen Scarlett at the garage, the police – well, Yashvi and Levi – thought that Scarlett may well be still alive. Yashvi and Bea staked out the garage, little knowing that she was at The Hive, where Ned was camped out for the night. While Ned implored Yashvi not to fall into danger, Yashvi happened upon a plan to smoke Scarlett out – a fake wedding. Of course! What else?!

Ned and Yashvi trick Scarlett out of hiding…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Kyle was left a paranoid wreck, convinced he was going to get struck by a third accident after the barbeque burn and then being hit by the van. So, who knows what the outcome will be now he, Roxy and Terese have got wind of the wedding plans?! With Scarlett sufficiently alerted to the wedding, she has battered Bea and locked her up and as the credits closed on Friday, she was charging towards the altar with a jar of acid in her hand…!

Scarlett launches her attack…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Neighbours airs Monday – Friday, Channel 5 @ 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Home and Away: Suspicious Minds

(Wednesday 4^th – Friday 13^th November 2020)

Bella warned Taylor to stay away from Colby or risk her husband destroying him, prompting Taylor to at least temporarily end their affair. But it was actually Bella and Nikau that were for the chopping block, as the couple couldn’t cope with the pressure of the Colby situation or agree on how best to handle things. It’s a shame. They are a lovely couple. And when she finally did decide she wanted to spend time with him, quite rightly, he had had enough of her picking him up and putting him back down again.

Meanwhile, Angelo finally began to notice that something was up with his wife who knew more about his murder investigation than he did. What a good Detective! Over a rare meal together, she accidentally let slip some details of the case she shouldn’t have been aware of, making her husband a little bit suspicious of where she might be getting her information. And his response was to hang around Colby’s apartment like a stalker. Not weird and unprofessional at all.

Angelo becomes suspicious of Taylor…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Colby and Bella had a huge argument, with Bella being the grown up one in the conversation. How times have changed. I still can’t work out why Colby thought that having an affair with the wife of the Detective investigating him for murder seemed like a good idea. But anyway, Colby finally did something sensible and ended the affair. Taylor was not happy. And I can’t work out if Colby really does have genuine feelings for her or not.

Mac and Ari were on again off again yet again as Ari wanted her to move in permanently and she decided to move out permanently – and in with Ziggy. Tane got the blame, being that he hated living with the girl he is in love with – and her boyfriend/his brother. But really, the whole situation is just weird, quite frankly. Ari pressured Mac for an answer about where their relationship was going and whether she loved him. She begged him to just be happy and less intense and eventually, they agreed to go at her pace – after a brief breakup. It’s Ziggy I feel sorry for. They are going to be so annoying to live with, especially post-breakup with Dean. Come on, we’ve all be the third wheel in a house share situation. It’s beyond crap.

Mind you, it looks like Ziggy may be moving on from Dean with Tane so who even knows what will happen next?! After he quit his job at Salt, she bagged him a job at the garage (who needs qualifications?!) But there was definitely some flirtation there, I think. I’m Team Dean all the way, just for the record. Tane was irritated when Ari brought him lunch on his first day, believing he was just coming to check up on him. And despite bonding with Ziggy and making a good impression, he was of course immediately up to no good and using the garage to commit crime.

Tane’s fresh start is heading in the wrong direction…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Willow stepped up for Dean when Amber shut him out of contributing financially, when actually, she really needed the help. He was adorably excited to be celebrating Jai’s birthday but he and Amber argued over Amber’s refusal to allow his mother to be part of Jai’s life, especially when her unpleasant mother is an active part of his life. Eventually, he accepted that Amber would find it hard to accept that Karen has changed and sacrificed her in order to stay in his son’s life himself.

Dean will do anything for Jai…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Justin and Leah were worried when his symptoms began to return. They sneaked into the hospital to see Christian, almost without Tori noticing but not quite, who confirmed that the tumour had returned.

Justin gets bad news…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Owen decided he needed to get out of Summer Bay and go travelling again and while at first, Roo was heartbroken, she spontaneously decided to go with him and get to know him better. Who knew teachers could just take time off in term time whenever they liked? Just as an aside, why did Owen need to rent a caravan if he already had a campervan?

Home and Away currently airs on weekdays @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5

Sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Neighbours: The Affair Begins…

Tuesday 20^th October – Friday 6^th November 2020

It looked ever so briefly like love was in the air for Toadie and Rose but alas, it wasn’t to be as Rose drifted back to her corrupt husband, James. Oh well, she was nice but she will never be Sonya. We will have to wait for someone worthier to come along.

Aaron, David and Nicolette bonded after a drunken party and the boys invited Nicolette to stay with them permanently. Hooray! I like this friendship. And I like Nicolette, although there is clearly a slightly viscous side to her as she took genuine pleasure in informing Pierce that she was staying put. Oh well. I have never liked him anyway.

Karl and Jane stashed all their bulk buying rubbish on Aaron and David’s roof, causing it to fall in. As sick of the storyline as I am, Susan laid down the law – no more bargain basement hoarding or Jane has to move out. Now, can we move onto a story a little worthier of characters such as Karl Kennedy and Jane Harris? This one has been pretty insulting, quite frankly. Then the story moved onto Susan feeling crowded by Jane…

Thanks to a photo Aaron put online of him, David and Nicolette, an old friend of Nicolette’s suddenly pitched up in Erinsborough and the boys made her much more welcome than Nic did. Her name was Audrey and she turned out to be an ex-colleague of Nicolette’s. They both looked after a patient called Marco who was severely neglected by his horrible family. When he died, they cashed a winning lottery ticket of his and split the winnings. While Nicolette clearly had no issues spending the money, Audrey has been wracked with guilt all this time and not spent a cent until recently, when she bought a fancy handbag and then completely panicked. She now wants to confess and give the money back. Nicolette does not agree and spent the rest of the week trying to stall her.

Working at the hospital together, Audrey dropped Nicolette in it about visiting London two years ago when Jane had no idea she was there. Karl and Jane became concerned about what was going on between Nicolette and Audrey. Susan was concerned about Jane taking over her house. Karl searched through Nicolette’s records and concluded that she had been working in London, just as Audrey had said.

Ned’s life was in tatters as Scarlett continued to make complaints about him to the police and Yashvi’s trust in him was broken. She did agree to attend Ned’s exhibition, along with the rest of the residents in order to support Ned. He ended up winning the Osbourne Prize but not with the portrait of Yashvi that he submitted but with the destroyed portrait of Scarlett that she swapped, ready for the big unveiling right at the climax of the exhibition. She then appeared and announced that he had been stalking her before running off. Ned gave chase, ignoring his loved ones begging him to let her leave. Roxy was left to explain the whole debacle to Paul and Terese.

He chased Scarlett back to the maze, haunted by memories of the stabbing. Yashvi found him (not by the maze), asleep in his car with a cut on his head and no recollection as to what had happened the night before. While Ned suffered nightmares and flashbacks about what had happened, including holding his bloodied pallet knife and someone being locked in his boot, Scarlett was declared missing. CCTV footage then transpired of Scarlett being thrown to the ground by a mystery assailant.

While Ned’s loved ones were certain Scarlett had set Ned up, Ned was traumatised by his ‘memories’ and confessed to murder. The Detective who wrongly charged Tyler of murder, arrived to run the case and correctly stepped Yashvi down. Why on earth was she allowed to get involved anyway?! Ned was charged with murder and let out on bail thanks to Paul and Terese.

Ned is arrested…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

All the while Ned’s life was falling apart, believing he had killed Scarlett, she was actually hiding in The Hive, listening in on his oblivious friends talking all about what had happened. Once Ned had been bailed, she sneaked into the garage and tampered with a car. Meanwhile, Yashvi was certain that Scarlett’s journal, which had been critical in the case of her stalking Ned in the first place. Desperate to help, Shane attempted to get hold of it, only to get caught stealing it and charged for the offence by Levi. This of course landed him in a huge amount of trouble with Dipi, Toadie and Yashvi. Shane then infuriated Dipi further by suggested she be in charge of his decisions so he didn’t screw up again.

Chloe returned from visiting her mother, having reached a decision. She cannot think about the long term future due to her Huntington’s, which is understandable. She needs herself and Pierce to live for now. She and Pierce endured an awkward double date with Shane and Dipi, with Chloe and Shane unaware that their partners have shared a kiss.

When Aaron mentioned that Nicolette had a friend visiting, Chloe was jealous. There is no other word for it. I hope she realises soon that Nic is a much better match for her than Pierce. He was furious to overhear her admitting she missed her friend. When he then thought he saw Nicolette threatening Audrey, he decided to wade in and speak to Audrey himself which only landed him in trouble with Chloe.

Once she had calmed down, Chloe was ready to talk but she was set off again when rather than talking, Pierce presented her with a diamond necklace, feeling like he was trying to buy his way out of their marital woes.

Chloe was not impressed with Pierce’s diamond gesture…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Dipi was upset when Shane decided to quit University and persuaded him not to cancel his future. And that was the moment she and Pierce found solace in each other at the hotel. And I have to say, it was all a bit weird. I know they had to do it social distanced but it was a bit like someone pressed the wrong button and cut in an advert for their affair in the middle of the ‘moment’. However, judging by the obligatory half naked Pierce scene, alongside Dipi in her towel, we can safely assume they are supposed to have now slept together. Determined that it was a one off and they have now got each other out of their systems, Pierce and Dipi were determined to focus on their marriages.

Pierce and Dipi believe they’re getting their feelings out of their system… yeah, right!
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Dipi was jealous when Pierce began to launch a new wine brand and named it after Chloe. However, Chloe was crestfallen when she discovered the wine was called ‘Chloe Greyson’. She chose not to change her name from Brennan and couldn’t help but listen to Nicolette’s opinion that the wine was Pierce’s way of stamping his mark on her after he believe she was trying to take her away from him. Chloe challenged Pierce about the name, prompting a big row and him staying at the hotel yet again.

Chloe sought Nicolette’s friendship over her latest row with Nicolette, prompting Dipi to stand up for Pierce. Dipi reported back to Pierce and the pair raged about their respective partners, Pierce for Chloe’s rejection of the wine and friendship with Nicolette and Dipi for Shane’s latest balls up with the police. Of course, they ended up in bed again.

Meanwhile, Clive tried everything to get back together with Sheila, even dressing up as a gnome, with Kyle getting burned on a barbeque in the process. But when she finally explains her reasoning and confessing to messing with Levi’s results, he agreed that their relationship was over for good.

Neighbours airs Monday – Friday, Channel 5 @ 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Home and Away: Collateral Damage

(Monday 19^thOctober – Tuesday 3^rd November 2020)

There are a few victims in this whole Ross Nixon Murder Investigation Plot. I don’t think I count Ross. I mean, I didn’t watch the show then but he doesn’t sound like a tragic loss. However, the main casualties so far seem to be 1) Dean 2) Ziggy and 3) Taylor. And at some point, probably 4) Bella.

Firstly, Dean had just been about to start a new life as a Dad to the little boy he never knew he had. Then he was under pressure over keeping Ross’s murder a secret. He needed to prioritise Amber and Jai. And now he has lost Ziggy by telling her the truth.

Ziggy’s heart was full of hurt and confusion as she realised that she was the only one out of the loop and everyone in their group knew the truth but her. While Willow went into bat for Dean, Ziggy felt that her boyfriend was now a stranger. She moved into her parents’ house, only able to see things in black and white.

Sadly, Dean’s response was to get drunk and kiss Amber. Well, that’s always the way to win your girlfriend back, Dean! Well done, mate. Thankfully, Amber was sensible enough to back off and decide she was worth more than to be his rebound. She already got pregnant with Jai when he was rebounding with her after breaking up with Willow all those years ago!

Meanwhile, Colby was ploughing ahead with his affair with Angelo’s neglected wife, Taylor, despite his family telling him he was being the world’s biggest idiot. This story is unsettling me. Colby has always been such a good guy and always so kind and eager to do the right thing. I’ve watched Home and Away on and off since I was a child but this stint hasn’t been very long, I admit. So I’ve never seen this side of Colby before. And I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.

He has manipulated Taylor into believing that he has genuine feelings for her and all the while, he is using her for information on Angelo and the case. She is already in a relationship with Angelo, which must be bad enough. She is also being completely ignored and neglected. Now she thinks this apparently nice guy likes her and wants to give her some attention while her husband can’t be bothered to even speak to her. She is going to be utterly broken when the whole truth eventually comes out.

Things got very intense between Colby and Dean, as the boys argued about their individual actions. Dean couldn’t believe that Colby would start an affair with Angelo’s wife, which is a valid point. And Colby was furious that Dean would risk their secret by sharing it with Ziggy. He had absolutely no compassion for the situation Dean was in. And it was all left to Willow to mediate. And all the while, Angelo was lurking, watching every argument he possibly could.

Colby continues his affair with Taylor…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

When Colby lied to Bella about ending his relationship with Taylor, the teenager decided she couldn’t take it anymore and temporarily moved in with Nikau. He lied to her again after she moved back in and she photographed them kissing on the beach, sending him a photo via text. Furious, Colby deleted all the photos and seriously lost his temper with his sister, pretty much holding her responsible for Ross’s death. What a good big brother.

Bella catches her brother out…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Meanwhile, Ziggy was under pressure to explain Dean’s absence, blurting out the shock news that they had split up. Angelo attempted to use her as a way in but Ziggy wouldn’t budge, not wanting Dean to get into any trouble, despite how hurt she was over what he had done. Colby took things up a notch and barged into Ziggy’s house, indirectly threatening her to stay quiet. He informed her that it was Dean’s idea to bury the body and he persuaded him not to confess to the murder. Therefore, if she were to inform the police, she would be sentencing Dean to years in jail.

When he returned from clearing his head, Dean was allowed to have Jai for the night, only for him to become unwell with an ear infection. The good news was that Ziggy was on hand to help him and they really worked together as a parental team to get him medical help. Amber missed it all because she was getting drunk and having a one night stand and neglected to look at her phone even once until the morning. Do people even do that in real life?! But anyway, maybe there is hope for Dean and Ziggy? And for Dean to be an active Dad? Although with Amber having now lost her job with John (he has miraculously recovered), Dean has now offended Amber by giving her money…

Dean looks after his poorly son…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Having failed to target Colby directly, intimidate Bella and question Ziggy, Angelo set his sights on Dean. He worked out that he knew everything about the murder and possibly that he was involved, offering him a deal in exchange for everything he could tell him. He bargained with the fact that he has Jai to live for and Dean was genuinely tempted to roll over on Colby. Well, with the way Colby is behaving, I’m not surprised. But after another row, the boys kissed and made up again and Dean refused to budge.

Angelo thinks Dean is the weakest link…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Clever Willow pointed out that Angelo has been very busy getting as much background information on them as he could so suggested Colby did the same. Now, what could Colby possibly find out about dodgy cop, Angelo? Could it be that in 2008, he accidentally shot and killed fellow police officer, Constable Jack Holden and then rather than confessing, he lied and was eventually found out, kicked off the force and jailed? Could it be that in 2009, he cut and deal and was somehow allowed back onto the police force, where he was set the task of hunting down a human trafficking ring and deliberately let the culprit escape and was again removed from the police force. No! Manslaughter and human trafficking errors and being removed from the force TWICE haven’t even been mentioned yet apart from Taylor referring to working hard to ‘get back on the force’. Apparently the worst thing that’s ever happened to Angelo is in the case of some guy called Andrew Felton, he sent the wrong person to jail. And that’s why he’s so obsessed with his work and needing to prove himself.

Deciding this was exactly what he needed, Colby made a formal complaint of harassment against Angelo, who immediately became aggressive with him. While Dean couldn’t understand what he was doing, Colby reassured his friends that it was a good plan – discrediting Angelo will make his case much harder to prove. Unfortunately, Taylor was very upset and felt very used by Colby. Because she is being used. She accurately described herself as collateral damage. Spotting them together yet again, Bella took it upon herself to warn Taylor away from her brother.

Angelo loses his cool with Colby…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Meanwhile, Ari was devastated when Mac decided it was time to move out. Things had become too awkward with Tane and Ziggy was lonely in her empty parents’ house so it all seemed perfect. While Ari begged her to stay, she still refused. Then he got wind of this whole Tane situation which I just don’t understand. If you think your girlfriend and your brother have feelings for each other, why are you still in the relationship?! It’s all a bit weird. But, whatever.

Justin had difficult but seemingly successful surgery thanks to Christian (and Tori) and everything so far seemed to be happy in his world. However, Tori was all of a flutter, having now shared two kisses with Christian. She then mistakenly believed that he was interested in Jasmine who very quickly made it clear that that was not the case. Tori also decided to drop the AVO against Jasmine, wanting her to be part of Grace’s life again.

Christian has got Tori hot under the collar…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

After some faffing about, Roo and Owen finally got together and their relationship had the full support of their family, including Ryder. There was a small wobble on Owen’s birthday, which would also have been Evan’s birthday. Owen opted to shut Roo and everyone out at first but they all barged their way back into his life and they celebrated together. How lovely.

Love is in the air for Roo and Owen…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Home and Away currently airs on weekdays @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5

Sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Neighbours: An Illicit Kiss

(Monday 12^th – Monday 19th October 2020)

Chloe and Pierce struggled to communicate, both handling their grief over the miscarriage in different ways. Wanting to give her daughter time and space to focus on her own life, Fay headed back to Adelaide but not before she stopped to kindly ask Nicolette to keep her distance from Chloe in order to let her focus on her marriage. Unfortunately, the conversation was overheard by Pierce, revealing the Chloe knew about Nicolette’s feelings all along.

More revelations were to come when Pierce challenged his wife and she admitted that she had been having doubts about their marriage and about the baby – and that she had confided in Nicolette about it all. With the couple wanting to resolve their marriage woes, Pierce suggested doing something fun: Dipi’s cooking class. The look on Chloe’s face suggests that she did not think that was fun.

And she was right. The class was a disaster for everyone, including poor Hendrix who had turned up to partner Susan, with whom he has developed a lovely relationship. Things became very intense between his Dad and Chloe as she wanted to forget their troubles and he wanted an intense conversation. Shane turned up to help Dipi, despite Pierce warning him off and as ever, his help was more of a hindrance. Shane and Pierce got into a nasty row and everyone got upset.

After the class, both couples argued. Chloe refused to talk to Pierce who stormed out. Across the road, Shane blamed Dipi for his addiction, prompting her to also storm out, throwing her and Pierce together in their distress. While Pierce gave Dipi a complimentary room at the hotel for the night, Toadie spent the night at home, talking Shane down from using drugs. This set Dipi off again, straight into Pierce’s arms and the pair shared a long expected kiss, which they both regretted immediately and decided to keep a secret. While Yashvi blamed Shane for everything going wrong, a chat with alcoholic Terese helped her become more supportive of her Dad. You’ve gotta love, Terese. And I did feel sorry for Shane, especially when he apologised to not only Dipi but Pierce as well.

Dipi and Pierce share a secret kiss…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

When Chloe sought out her brother, she ended up chatting to Nicolette again (who lives with him and David) but got caught out by angry Pierce, setting everything off all over again. But it was Hendrix’s words that forced Chloe to sort things out with Pierce in the end. When did he get so wise? Probably when he got together with Harlow. Chloe went ahead with the marriage counselling and also ended her friendship with Nicolette before heading off to Adelaide to make sure Fay had settled in okay. Alone and needing space. Possibly not a good idea to leave her husband unattended right now but then, quite frankly, she’s better off without him.

On Nicolette’s advice, Levi got another medical assessment, independent of Clive so nothing looked suspicious and he didn’t end up pushing himself beyond what he was medically capable of. While Levi was understandably upset with his Gran, Sheila ended her relationship with Clive, having broke the single condition he set when they got back together – no deceit.

Now, Nicolette really was a busy girl this week, dishing out help not only to Levi and Chloe but also to David and Aaron by putting them in touch with a friend who once acted as a surrogate. I am so desperately disappointed with this storyline. I thought it was amazing that they were fostering and providing a home for vulnerable kids. I think it’s absolutely crap that they ran that story once and now it’s all about having a biological baby. Don’t get me wrong, I love Aaron and David; they’re my very favourite Neighbours couple and one of my favourite couples in soap history. That’s probably why I’m so annoyed about it. They could have been the Pippa and Tom of Ramsay Street!

Anyway, the upside is that the story did give way to one of my favourite scenes in a long time. They mentioned to Paul about paying a surrogate from abroad, which would be legal but would not be legal if they had a local surrogate. They also claimed it would be ethical to pay for it that way, although I’m not entirely sure what difference the location makes in terms of morals but whatever. Anyway, mentioning money to Paul is like a red rag to a bull and he immediately visited Nicolette and offered to pay her friend (and her) if her friend would have the baby for the boys. Getting drunk with the boys that night, Nicolette revealed her conversation with Paul, which led to a drunken phone call with ‘Paulie’ to tell him off for meddling, which was overheard by a very angry Terese. Very funny.

Drunk Aaron told Nicolette that Chloe missed her friendship. He and David told her that they didn’t want her to move out. Hooray! Also, Aaron’s stubble is officially turning into an actual beard.

Ned fought his demons enough to complete the portrait of Scarlett, only for her to declare it a rush job and destroy it, terrifying him. He decided that it wasn’t worth the trauma of being around her and told Yashvi the truth. Understandably, she felt utterly betrayed. Meanwhile, Roxy met Scarlett’s oblivious fiancé, who was under the impression that Ned had been Scarlett’s stalker, not the other way around. And in the meantime, Scarlett made a complaint to the police of the same vein. But surely her history of stabbing him would prove that that wasn’t true?! And Bea and Roxy took on the role of Ned’s bouncers by handed back to ruined painting to Scarlett and warning her off. This story is a bit weird, to be honest. Scarlett Part One was quite good but I’m not sold on Part Two. Sorry.

Scarlett destroys Ned’s painting…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

After some pressure from Mackenzie, Toadie decided to do the right thing and warned Rose not to sign her divorce settlement, telling her where to look for evidence over where her ex-husband, James has hidden his assets. After some interference from Susan (it’s usually Karl’s job), Toadie and Rose ended up on an accidental date and admitted that they liked each other. Yay! I do hope this works out. I know she’ll never be Sonya (RIP) but Toadie deserves some happiness.

Then there’s this slightly strange storyline where Karl and Jane have raided one of those Costco places and have so many bulk buy items they can’t store it all. They ended up having to pay Nicolette, Aaron and David a fee for storing it under their house. Yes, that’s an actual plot. I guess the writers took panic bulk buying to heart in lockdown…

Neighbours airs Monday – Friday, Channel 5 @ 1:45pm and 5:30pm

Home and Away: Truth Be Told

(Thursday 8^th – Friday 16^th October 2020)

The Ross Nixon murder investigation became even more intense this week as Angelo finally made a breakthrough. After closely observing Bella and abusing Irene’s trust, he discovered Colby lied about why her interview was delayed; she and Nikau ran off and that Mac, Tane and Ari brought them back.

When he interviewed her again, Bella explained that she ran off due to shock and not wanting to face up to what had happened to her Dad. Knowing a thing or two about covering up a murder (he’s done it before, of course), Angelo didn’t buy it. Bella was firm, telling Angelo who her Dad really was – an abuser and a murderer who had shot her friend and wouldn’t have thought twice about hurt her to hurt Colby. She claimed to have no idea what Ross was thinking that night or what had happened to him.

Willow is worried about Colby’s behaviour…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

Angelo and Colby argued about him going after Bella but Angelo was now certain that one of them was protecting the other. Seeing that her friends were going into free fall, Willow stepped in, making an anonymous call to the police with a fictional sighting of Ross from after the night of the murder and sending Angelo temporarily out of town to investigate. She was furious then, when, having got Angelo off their case, at least for the time being, Colby continued pursing his wife, Taylor, spending the night with her in a motel.

Colby is using Taylor…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

When Dean discovered what had happened, he could easily foresee Colby bringing his world crashing down around him. He had to bail on seeing Jai, prompting Amber to stop him seeing him completely and he also refused to let Ziggy move back in. Deciding his girlfriend needed an explanation for his behaviour, Dean bravely told Ziggy the truth: Colby shot Ross and he helped him cover it up. Both of them were devastated, knowing their relationship would be fundamentally changed forever, if not ruined. Ziggy sent him away as she tried to process what he was telling her.

Dean confesses to Ziggy…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Tane ran into trouble when some old ‘colleagues’ turned up wanting him to do a ‘job’ for them. When he refused, they tracked him down at Salt and stabbed him. Mac dragged him down to the hospital where they promptly got trapped in the lift. Will these two ever stop getting thrown together? It’s as if they’re stuck in some kind of forbidden love triangle… When they were rescued, Ari was waiting for them. Tane was treated and Mac lied for Tane over how he ended up with a knife wound. The tension continues…

Meet Doctor Christian Greene…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Justin enjoyed spending quality time with Leah and Ava. His daughter eventually got the truth out of him about his illness and got him to agree to the operation. Cue the entrance of handsome Doctor Christian Greene, who will not only perform the surgery but is set to be Tori’s new love interest, starting with being arrogant and annoying. I mean, he’s no Alex Neilson (#Willex forever!) but he seems alright, I guess.

Justin and Leah prepare for surgery…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

Roo and Owen tentatively began dating, which is sweet. Roo hasn’t had a relationship in a while. I just hope she isn’t replacing Evan with Owen because that won’t end well, although that is literally what Home and Away have done, I guess!

Home and Away currently airs on weekdays @ 1:15pm & 6pm on Channel 5

Sneak peek on 5Star, weekdays @ 6:30pm

These reviews are based on the lunch time episodes

Neighbours: Goodbye to You

(Monday 28^th September – Friday 9^th October 2020)

Sheila, Kyle and Bea arrived home to find Levi having a seizure. While the other two panicked, Bea took charge, aware of his epilepsy diagnosis and knew exactly what to do. When he came to, he remembered that Yashvi had called him from the school needing backup and raised the alarm regarding the siege, although as ever in soap, it takes a hell of a long time for the police to actually do anything.

Levi was left with no choice but to tell the truth about his epilepsy and Clive realised that Dax had messed with his medication. Finally! Subsequently, Levi was suspended from the force pending a medical enquiry, which of course Sheila couldn’t help meddling with, meaning that he has been allowed back without any of the restrictions Clive put in place. When Levi found out what she had done, he was understandably furious.

Sheila had to tell the truth…
(photo credit: Digital Spy)

At the school, Dax held Susan, Yashvi, Richie and Mackenzie hostage with a taser but was clearly losing his grip on the whole situation. Paul, Harlow and Hendrix unwittingly walked into the situation, prompting, Harlow and Paul to get chased into a toilet. Nice. Dax attempted to make his escape. The lights went off and there was generally a lot of running about while the police hung around not doing much and the kids’ and Susan’s loved ones waited worriedly outside. Somewhere along the way, Mackenzie got hit with the taser, sending her into cardiac arrest. Susan desperately tried to save her life and thankfully, Karl was right outside to help. But hero Yashvi took down Dax and he was taken into custody. She is basically the Karl Kennedy of the police force. And she’s only worked about four shifts.

Dax attacked the school…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

In some good news though, Mackenzie and Richie got back together and Paul invited Harlow to give a speech in New York to make up for the fact that she lost the election to Mackenzie. Also noteworthy, Dipi and Pierce held hands while they waited for news. It is beginning…

Shane left rehab, wanting to be there for his family but judging by how close Dipi and Pierce have become recently, it may be too late. Especially as all he seems to have done since he came home is get in the way. Nobody has been happy to see him, apart from perhaps Mackenzie who is always happy to see everyone.

While Yashvi is apparently the best cop in the world, she is apparently oblivious to anything going on in the lives of people she loves. Firstly, Bea had a crush on Levi and they lied to her about dating. Now, they’ve told the truth, Bea doesn’t fancy Levi anymore but he’s harbouring feelings for Bea. Typical. And Yashvi has missed it all.

But more importantly, Ned has got himself into serious trouble trying to raise funds for his exhibition by sending a ‘fan’ nude videos and pictures. The ‘guy’ has easily located him and has asked for more and more to the point that Ned has cancelled his account. He has kept it all secret from Yashvi and decided to focus on his real art instead. He used some of the money to take Yashvi away on a romantic getaway, alongside Roxy and Kyle. He was then horrified for his Fandangle commissioner to appear and turn out to be none other than Scarlett, the woman who became so obsessed with him last year that she ended up stabbing him. What are the chances?! She threated to expose the videos and pictures unless he painted her portrait as a gift for her fiancé. He agreed on the promise that she deleted everything. I mean, this hasn’t got disaster written all over it at all…

Scarlett returned to torment Ned…
*(photo credit: Digital Spy)*

While Pierce was extremely excited about plans for the baby and even started talking about siblings, Chloe was starting to have doubts about the whole thing, including her marriage to Pierce. Despite the awkward situation, she ended up turning to Nicolette about it all, who advised her not to act hastily and take some time to clear her head. But when she had to leave for her first shift at the hospital, Chloe continued her walk alone where she began to have a miscarriage.

Nicolette was an amazing support to both Chloe and Pierce and proved herself to be a beautiful, true friend. When Fay returned from her trip with David and Aaron (who has designer stubble now), full of excitement about the baby and the baby shower, Chloe ignored Pierce and Nicolette’s pleas and decided to go through with the shower so as not to break her mother’s heart. Sadly, she broke down in the middle of it and admitted to having had a miscarriage. In light of recent events, Aaron and David opted to keep their surrogacy plan quiet. So, we’re bored of the fostering storyline after one kid, are we?

Pierce hit the roof when he discovered that Nicolette had been with Chloe moments before the miscarriage and when Hendrix revealed that Nicolette also has feelings for Chloe, he fired her and threw her out, despite how much it upset Fay. Insecure, much? Nicolette accepted it without putting Chloe in any worse a position by revealing that she had already resigned or that Chloe already knew everything.

Trying to be a good person and do the right thing, Hendrix told the truth about Rose using Toadie to get information on her husband James, not wanting Toadie to end up in legal trouble. Toadie was furious, not to mention hurt, having thought he and Rose had built up a good friendship since she started working for him. She begged him not to tell her ex-husband, which so far he hasn’t and when he realised that since he fired her she has no money at all, he bagged her a job as a beauty therapist, the thing she initially trained in, at the hotel.

Unfortunately, her first day didn’t quite go to plan as she had to practice on a couple of volunteers – Toadie and Mackenzie – and managed to burn Toadie’s face and tint Mackenzie’s eyebrows orange! They were very forgiving though and so was Terese who hired her anyway under supervision. When she got pretty much nothing in her divorce settlement, Toadie advised her not to sign it and opted not to tell her husband about her snooping. Karl and Susan have also picked up on a vibe between them… Post-Sonya, I found Dee very annoying and just couldn’t support him and Toadie. Perhaps it was because she and Toadie were together before Sonya and it was being treated as if she was the true love of his life, like Sonya suddenly didn’t matter. Plus Dee is actually quite annoying. But I like Rose. She’s quirky and funny and despite some initial dishonesty, I think I could get behind this potential relationship.