Skylover

Awww that's cute, I love Luke. Did you get a letter?

Not sure about ep 31. A bit slow for me but I liked how we got to know a bit more about Fisher. Celia overlooking Ailsa and Fisher made me realise how few adults the show has these days compared to when it first started, you'd never get mini stories like these. Have to say I love Alf's trust in Ailsa, he knows she wouldn't do anything like that to hurt him, and I think it's great later on when Ailsa feels the same about him when Bobby and Marilyn are convinced that he's having an affair. I just realised, thinking about it, that because Barbara and Morag are sisters, Rebecca and Bobby are cousins and half-sisters.

JamieLee, I'm extremely jealous that you've got those Ray Meagher fancards! I do have to ask though, what do you mean by he's quite good at replying via the venue?! Does that mean that you sent him a letter to where he's playing panto? Is that what you'd suggest if I wanted one of his fancards? To be honest, I haven't written to him because I assumed it was obvious that I wouldn't get a reply but I'm not so sure now!

I agree with that. I hated him a few weeks ago, but now they've given the character time away from Martin he's really had a chance to grow. Iaso noticed that the girl Steven fancied was Beth Buchanan from Neighbours. I've just watched episode 30 and I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to react. On the one hand it was a nice to have a bit of light relief, but on the other a lot of the attempts at being comedic fell flat. Alf and Tom's routine at the Variety Night, Ailsa's dance, at which the whole audience refused to clap but suddenly changed their minds once Bobby and Fisher started clapping, I really didn't understand that and thought it was quite unrealisitc. And the 'Living in Summer Bay' song was total cringe from beginning to end, especially the obvious miming. I loved Frank's comment though, "This is the Eighties. Music's changed a fair bit since the sixties". Although I wasn't particularly impressed, when the end credits kicked in the episode did leave me with a smile on my face which I guess is the most important thing.

Thanks Ryan, that's an interesting fact to know that 1989 has the oldest average age. Just watched episode 28. Good episode. I find myself getting annoyed when the episode ends at the moment, I'm enjoying them so much at the moment I just want them to keep on going! I see that Steven keeps getting these snoozefest scenes and storylines, what a total bore. I thought it was a shame we didn't see any Floss and Neville in this episode, as I was really intrigued to see how Floss would get on with her new job as a nanny to her grandson. One thing that really striked me in this episode was Celia. I've always thought that Colleen was a "stereotyped" gossip, I've only known her character in the noughties, and when a secret comes out, she's off telling all unsundry what's going on, and I've always thought that it was a bit unrealistic. What I noticed in this episode that the writers have always used this type of characterisation for the typical gossip. I think, given the seriousness of the situation, Celia wouldn't have told anyone, especially not Roo. But I suppose it's a plot device to get more drama out of it. Interesting plot twist to have the Community Hall burnt down. I really hope Hogan's Store isn't burnt down as I love that place! Also, isn't Roo a prize bitch? You can certainly tell that she and Morag are related; the way she forcefully warned Frank that he didn't get to call the shots with the band, and the way she was deliberately riling him up when they were rehearsing. The band sounds awful by the way. I was glad and intrigued to see Lance having a scene without Martin for a change. I can't believe it's taken 28 episodes for us to have a scene with him outside the double act, but I think it was good for his character, as the joke of Lance repeating what Martin says has king of got boring now! I think my favourite characters are Martin, Celia and Roo at the moment.

I'm not sure about the idea of axing Celia and Donald, as Celia is one of my favourite characters ever, and Donald ended up playing a huge role in the infrastructure of the show. I don't see why they couldn't have had 9 adults in the show. I don't know, I suppose it's a catch-22 situation. All the characters were so good in the early years of the show it would be difficult to choose someone to give the axe when they're allso good. They obviously had no choice as it seems Neville and Floss were valued as characters, otherwise tptb wouldn't have continued to use them over the years in a guest capacity.

I can't explain how much I'm enjoying watching these early episodes. In fact I'm enjoying them a lot more than current Home and Away and I really am on tenterhooks watching it. They've set the show up really well,in that all of the characters have fantastic backstories. I have to admit I think the show has improved the last coupleof wees due to it focusing more on Alf/Ailsa/Roo, and less on Nico/Lynn, Tom and Pippa. I feel as though Tom, Pippa, Lynn and Sreven are the weak links of the cast; all the others are brilliant. I can't decide whether I like Pippa or not. On the one hand, I suppose it was inevitable that I would dislike her because I've never seen Vanessa's version of Pippa before and I liked Debra's version so much, but when it comes down to it Vanessa's version is the original and there's no escaping that. I guess my approach to her would be that I like her but she's high maintenance. She's kind of like one of those people that's high maintenance to like, but you do have a soft spot for them. I really love her caring and innocent approach to the character, and I definitely think something would be missing from these episodes had she not been there. Another thing to take into consideration is the age of the actress at the time. A poster above said that Vanessa portrayed the role quite childishly, but she was only 32 at the time playing someone who I expect is meant to be much older. Debra's version of the role is very different, and I consider them two different characters really, but they both have their qualities and drawbacks. I can't believe we're onto Episode 27 already! I loved ep 27. The show at this point has really come into its own, it feels like a soap that's been going for years, and the community is really coming through in these episodes. Roo going to Hogan's Store asking for a knife sharpener was really effective, you could tell that Ailsa just wanted the floorto swallow her up but she was holding it all in. The bitchy school girls added something special too, and they also add to the community feel. Bobby's great value, "I don't think I'm tough, I know I am" As for Floss and Neville, I think they're great characters too, and today's episode really showed that. It's awfully sad that the producers decided to get rid of them in an attempt to focus on younger characters, because I think they would have been great long-term characters, and hadn't reached their story potential by the time they left. I love the way they've written the storyline about Scott McPhee. They've created a lot of mystery around it, and it's great how they've built up the suspense, in that we know Scott's going to turn up unexpectedly and there will be fireworks when he finds out his mum's been looking after his son. I also thought it was clever how they interweaved Floss and Ailsa's stories. Ailsa refusing to give Floss a false reference showed that she's a decent and honest woman, but was pushed to the limit because of her father's actions. We don't know what we're capable of until we're pushed hard, and this storyline is a great example of that. I am wondering though, is 3 years a short prison sentence for someone who committed murder?

Today's episode was really good. I spent the whole episode thinking "Awww, how cute is that cow" and then someone comes along and kills it! It was really sad cos you could tell that Nico loved that cow! I still really love Martin, but I just really really can't stand Lance. Yeah, we get the point, he repeats everything that Martin says, does he have to do it ALL THE TIME?! I also really like Celia, and it's exciting that Ailsa hasn't given anything away about her past, especially considering everything we know about the character now!! I was thinking yesterday, only a few more weeks and it'll be Colleen's first appearance!

I also thought of Shauna when Alf said it's a shame Ailsa didn't have any children. I also agree that this was the strongest eppy of the week/run of eps so far. Ailsa was stand-out, to be honest I haven't rated Ray Meagher's acting that much but Ailsa's been great. Does anyone know when the "Early Episodes" are stopping for an Xmas break? Have to say, I think the episodes have been stronger since Tom and Pippa are away. :/

Thought I'd post my Esther card, it's lovely

I got a reply from Esther today as well. She's lovely. I'll upload a photo in due course.

Ryan - I totally agree with you about that montage of Roo and Frank on the beach, it's so unlike Home and Away. In fac watching these episodes, it's so far removed from today's Home and Away; the cheesiness of Celia's singing at the piano, the way Frank told Roo that he's a virgin when no-one over the age of 16 is a virgin in current Home and Away, etc etc. Haven't posted much recently as I've been busy with uni, but just had a catch-up and watched eps 16 and 17. They were pretty good although I'm not really a fan of watching Frank singing all the time. I love Ailsa, I think she's probably my favourite character at the moment. I can't wait to find out more about her past. Bobby is also a great character. I'm wondering where Steven's got to though? And Frank and Roo were certainly getting into that kiss weren't they!!

Just watched Episode 15. As the episodes go by, I'm starting to think more and more that this show feels so far removed from Home and Away today, that it feels like an entirely different show. I'm enjoying watching the eps nevertheless. I think watching scenes in Greek probably has a bit of an effect on things. I'm wondering where they're going with this plot because I'd imagine Nico and his grandmother are guest characters, but the cliffahnger was that he may go to a psych ward so maybe this isn't the last we've seen of Nico? I really don't understand Tom. It was obvious that Lynn wasn't in danger, but he just up and left in the middle of work and I found that rather strange and admit, I was actually more on the side of the employer. I also didn't understand why he couldn't see Pippa and Frank's point of view that they should perhaps wait for Lynn to come home. The acting by the actress that plays Lynn is truly appalling, I have to say. Was I the only person that was shocked when someone threw a rock through the Greek families' window and shouted "wog"?! :o x 3!

Just watched episode 14. Thought it was ok. I thought Sally was really sweet, drawing a picture of a dog to entice Lynn back to the Bay. I find it strange how much screentime Sally is getting though, does Kate receive the same amount of screen time from the beginning of the show right up until she leaves school around age sixteen? The reason I ask is the kids on the show these days don't get anywhere near as much attention as they obviously did in those days. VJ for example is hardly ever seen, and Ryan wasn't much either when he was on the show, but Sally seems to be getting as much screen time as all the other regular characters. I think it's a good thing though, and it's obviously a controbuting factor to the legend that Sally becomes. I'm still not keen on Tom and Pippa I'm afraid. I just don't find them particularly endearing characters, Michael and Pippa are much better later on.

Kate Ritchie does some pretty flawless acting as a child doesn't she. I particularly love the scene in which Sally breaks down to Marilyn over missing Tom at Xmas.

I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to react to the last few episodes, but although they've been a bit weird, I've oddly been enjoying them. Plus I feel Lyn has been due a storyline, even if she has been very unconvincing in her portrayal in certain points, but on the whole I'm enjoying it. I still think it's ridiculous that she ran away over a dog! Anyway, The Early Years are quite comforting to watch and good escapism while I'm stressed at uni! As for episode 12, I thought it was interesting. Not great that I have to watch "Nico" and Lance share a scene, as they're both highly annoying, but I still love Martin, he's just pure comedy and I love him. I admit I was rather shocked that entire scenes were conducted in Greek, I thought it was Italin but someone earlier pointed out that it was Greek, I wonder why they didn't include subtitles?! I do wonder what is wrong with this Nico guy, is her meant to be just stupid or is there an underlying mental condition? Carly's acting like a total brat, I don't see her getting a job, so she should be grateful that Tom is at least supporting the family, even if he is a labourer. I love Bobby too, she's a great character, so lower-class, but a wonderful character. I think she's very pretty too!

Ahh thanks!

I've been enjoying the early episodes a lot actually, I think it's better than some people here are making out, but then I'm a Neighbours fan, and that's known for its small plots etc. whereas I'd assume the majority of people on here love the melodrama the current Home and Away brings. ter06, I see you said that "even Roo seems tame" from what we've first seen of her, so I'm guessing she's not always this nice?

I know what you mean about Lynn's tops. I still can't believe that they're making this plot with the dog seem so big, and Lynn is acting like a total brat and making a real drama out of it. I can't believe the cliffhanger yesterday was the dog dying! Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to watching episode ten, if only for Floss. I thought Floss was brilliant in Ep 9 at Hogan's Store, I'm looking forward to seeing more of her.

Of course however, the continuity error as such occurs at a later episode and not here. How can you have a half-niece?! I've just been reading Alf's page on BTTB and it says that he has 5 sisters Barbara, Morag, Celia, Debra and Colleen. Did Debra have any children?

I don't know what it is but I just feel like certain characterisics of Lance's are so stupid that it can't be possible, but I supose you're right that he could have an underlying psychological dysfunction. I think what gets me is that Colleen is just as cliched and stereotyped and it's annoying because she's still in the show to this very day!

I think Episode 6 is the weakest episode of the Early eps so far. Although I really like Martin, I hate Lance more and more as time goes by because he's just such a cliche, and really unrealistic as a human being. Carly and Fisher seem to be in absolutely every episode. You do have to wonder what they were planning to do with Lynn in the beginning though, she doesn't even barely seem to appear in an episodes so you wonder what the writers planned to do with their character because they're not developing her in the slightest. I find it strange that loads of the "regular" cast members weren't in the opening credits to begin with. Donald Fisher has appeared in nearly all of the episodes along with Lance, Martin and Roo, yet they don't appear anywhere in the credits. I suppose they were waiting for later characters to debut so that they could add all of the characters in at once. Tom and Pippa continue to annoy, though I'm looking forward to Tom gatecrashing Carly's dad's house tomorrow!

Episode 5 was just as enjoyable as the rest of the first week. I'm really glad that Carly owned up to letting the hand-brake go, I wish we had more Martin scenes though cos he's hilarious and hot too ;) I can't say I'm finding this story with Alf and Ailsa all that flash. It's hard to believe, because they were such a brilliant couple in the last few years they were on-screen together, but I don't think that they have that much chemistry here at the moment. It's amazing to see how much it builds up over time and I can't wait to see it. Roo is a right little scheming minx, you can see why Martha's turned out the way she has! Is anyone else finding it strange that Floss just seems to be roaming around the Fletcher house, I don't really understand what her and Neville were doing there today?! Although I was pleased to see them, because they are really entertaining characters. I think it's a shame Floss is giving up her tarot reading, I hope she doesn't completely! I was actually relieved to have a break from Tom and Pippa tonight, they've been doing my head in. My favourite scene of Episode 5 has to go to the Carly Confession scene. I thought the interaction and drama between her and Donald was very well-acted, particularly on Donald's part, I really thought it was a great scene. I look forward to Episode 6 now!

I'm enjoying these early episodes, though I do have to admit, that as the episodes go on, Tom and Pippa do seem to be annoying me more and more. I think it was a really good thing for the show when Pippa was recast to Debra Lawrence, as she'smuch more convincing in the portrayal of Pippa. Even though they're both annoying me, I do think that Pippa's the weak link in the couple; it just seems like she talks to Tom as if he's a child and it seems so formal all the time, and they don't have any chemistry with each other. I suppose you have to bear in mind that the show's only just started but I'm shocked by how much of an improvement Michael and Pippa are over Tom and OriginalPippa. However, I'm loving all of the other characters at the moment, particularly Martin. I think he's a great quirky character and really brings his character to life. To me he's probably the most convincing actor of the bunch of them, but I do really love Frank and Bobby. Lyn seems to have vanished into thin air but the interaction between Bobby, Carly, Frank, Alf, Ailsa, Roo and Fisher is great. I do think Roo cracked on to Frank rather early. Bloomin' 'eck did that girl seem desperate!!!

What does Mervin Baldivis do in the Pilot Episode? It's so long I can't actually remember seeing him...