hapitoby

Very well said. I think dramatic storylines should complete and enhance what's going on with the characters that we are attached too. If they're not well written, then it's not as engaging - which is probably why we get more dramatic stuff. It's the lazier approach to captivate audience when it's happening all the time because nothing else is compelling.

Well said. I even found Sally effortlessly assimilate in her brief return in 2013 - and that was when it was very heavy crime and Braxton centric. I also found Heath and Bianca's return in 2016 very natural despite all the rest of the family had left (except Irene). Granted both examples new other characters but I felt they're well developed characters, the transition was seamless.

Yeah it unfortunate..I feel like they do that with Irene the last ten years or so...then remember she's a great actress and give her something juicy or make her another murder suspect

Re-watching 1988 has made me miss Don all over again. He's one of these best characters in the whole show and Norman may be the best actor on the show. He is phenomenal and not just in 1988 but onwards. Also, 1988 Ailsa was fantastic too. Really well and very strong (makes sense given her backstory surviving on her own and prison) and her relationship with Bobby is great. She also stands up for people a lot and is really assertive. Two amazing characters, it is kind of sad that they're mostly forgotten but at least we still have Alf (and Roo).

Oh yes ofc. Interestingly, it was Leahs first year too.

2000 was definitely a bit of a revamp. The credits completely changed. Lots of characters cut like the Nashes (except Gypsy) were clearly being build up as the next big family. The Sutherlands debuted that year. Although, there were a lot of returnees.

It was almost 4 months. When it surpassed the 3 month mark I thought it might stay for a while. They even removed the live channel for it...lame I see no advantage of them locking them away. It's unfortunate. Yeah I agree about later year guest characters. I wouldn't consider the ones listed iconic in the slightest. If they want to pretend Home and Away is 10-15 years old, why not release seasons from that era? I would much, much, much,much prefer classic episodes but it would be something I suppose. I think I recall a petition for 7 to show the reruns again...I feel like this is the best shot but even then I don't think they particularly care. I've said it before but I just find it incredibly bizarre how ashamed of their history and age while Neighbours embraces it.

Yeah very much so..or give her a long lost child ?

Will and Lily Smith returned when Romeo Smith was on the show. I don't think the Morgan thing would be that much of a deal-breaker.

I think he was forced to resign or they would have done a full investigation and he could face jail time and Charlie was involved too regarding letting Hugo run free.

Yeah pretty much.In the second half of 2014 after Bianca left. Though Greg snelgrove took over as principal from mid 2015-mid 2016. Zac was acting principal in between and then took over after Greg left.

Interesting we haven't seen Marilyn in one recently...now that I think of it I can't remember her wearing one since her 2010 return and yeah strange we haven't since Roo in one either. Now that I think of it we don't really see long termers in beach gear (unless we count John's life saving gear) except Justin and Leah...and I think Leah only started swimming and surfing when dating Justin.

Yes very much so. The most convincing out of all them.

To me it doesn't feel like 15 years. I just assumed Tom was at most 5 years older, mostly from the story he said to Frank of how he and Pippa met and then he was at her 21st. I wonder if the ageing down was specifically to not make the gap look as big..mid 20s Marilyn with a 50 yr old Don may have seemed better? I dunno maybe other reasons they aged him down.

And poor Seb ended up paralysed.

She reminds me as Phoebe but way more tolerable.

Very interesting to speculate. She may just work in the diner. If she stayed in the Bay, I'd imagine she'd be paired with Rhys Sutherland. I think a lot of what happened until the Sutherlands arrival would be more or less the same - the Nash's moving in, Sally moving out etc. Pippa may be a bit lost or just in and out of the bay or got a new house. I imagine they may have not created Shelley Sutherland or she and Rhys may split up early/ be already split up before the Sutherlands arrive. I guess it'll be similar to when Rhys gets with Beth with Pippa becoming a surrogate. It would be interesting to see how things go. I imagine they'd still have Shelley leave when she does but may not introduce Beth Hunter. Rhys was written out so it's likely if he stayed with Pippa, he would have been kept around until.the actor decided to leave. I remember an interview where they originally planned to have Beth fall pregnant. Maybe they would with Pippa (not sure her age at this point) I wonder if they would have kept Leah or Irene around as they may feel Pippa would take on both those roles in 2010 era.

Yes I knew it wasn't something that was only brought up recently.

Didn't they originally have plans to axe Irene in 2002? I imagine if Pippa was still around then, and with Ailsa having already left, they may have axed Irene as initially planned and Pippa may have gotten her storylines. It's possible she may have even been paired with Alf after Ailsa died or Ian may have been made a regular. I think they would have kept her around but she'd have been a background character for a number of years until they decide what new direction to take her.

I 100% agree. I got very close to switching off. I didn't watch consistently this year and would go weeks without watching it. I was looking forward to the final as the show was ending for the year so ended up watching up till then. I'll give it a go next year and as long as its not as bad as this year, I'll stick with a bit longer. Rewatching the eps on 7+ is very nostalgia but also reminds of when the show was much better written. The current producers need to go big time. And good question about the viewers. I don't think many would have been on teh edge of their seats. I think the main people that would enjoy it are new fans or just passive fans. While it annoyed me I did somewhat enjoy it -mainly due to how ridiculous and OTT it was- not because it was good writing lol

100% agreed. Marilyn was one of the last characters this should have been done to given her desire to have a baby has always been a massive part of her character. Even in her 2010 return. It's so integral to her character. It's just beyond bad that she had a kid 27 years ago she just abandoned. I don't think "is this good writing" crossed their minds...ever. I think the logic is "what will make exciting drama"...and a long lost offspring is a typical soap device. They know it doesn't make sense and don't care to, same with the Martha retcon, so dance around the details. Again, I don't think it being well written crossed their minds bit if it's exciting and will bring viewers in. It can be exciting and make sense, and I've discussed previously how the Heather storyline could still happen and make sense without being Marilyn's child but want revenge on her for another reason.