Right Up My [Ramsay] Street

2006-06-23T21:52:00.000+01:00

Contrary to my last post I had to post about this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/neighbours/

The BBC NEighbours site is winding down. Where oh where will I get my daily catch-up information. I am sad :(

2006-06-11T23:53:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends and Readers.

I am now employed full time. I am now a commuter. I cannot compete with Big Brother related programmes on my family's Sky+ Planner. I am therefore having to put Right Up My [Ramsay] Street on hiatus until I am again able to factor Neighbours back into my life in a meaningful way. Thank you for all your support over these last few months, it's been fun!

In many ways this is a bad time to be leaving the Neighbours loop as the identity of the bomber as been revealed and things look to be hotting up! Thankfully BBC's catch-up will help keep me in tune - I don't know where I'd be without that.

Peace out, B.

2006-05-22T15:32:00.000+01:00

What can Katya have lurking in her past that makes Toadie censor the PI results and causes Susan to have to consider whether she should reveal it in court? Drugs? Prostitution? Selling herself as a kite for small children to fly on windy days? Only time will tell...

Loved the Janelle v Angie fight. Not for the fight itself but for the random extras there to watch it - why?!

2006-05-08T17:49:00.000+01:00

This is my 40th post party! Life begins at 40 apparently. I think people just say that to make getting older sound better. Has my blog improved with age like a fine Burgundy? No, I think it is still rough and ready like a cheap Retsina. Oh wait! I am supposed to be ranting about Neighbours not concocting wine similies.

So, Izzy le bitch is back. Praise the lord! I was getting bored with her being down on her luck and almost having to feel sorry for her. And the fact that she is duping Ned, probably the dopiest wet blanket of a character the street has ever seen makes it that much funnier. I still can't bring myself to like her as a character (there's too much water under that bridge) but I am enjoying the Robinson-Hoyland dynamic.

Further, I think the return of Paul as a long term character is one of the wisest decisions the Neighbours team have made in years. The importance of Paul has been hammered home to me particularly of late as i am in the process of compiling a reference guide of street events since Paul's return for a fan of this blog. The whole narrative arc of the street the past year or so would not have come about if it weren't for Paul Robinson. No wonder he drinks Champagne so often....

Who is the best looking Neighbours character ever? I'm open to all tastes and persuasions, I just want a reason why. Come on, entertain me! For me it is Rick Alessi. He was my first memorable crush. I would have been 9 when he joined the show and I was obsessed with him for the longest time. Bring back Rick that's what I say!

2006-05-02T14:53:00.000+01:00

The Ange is back in town!!!

Welcome back Mrs Rebecchi! Toady does need kicking into shape and his mum is the person to do it. I'm glad she was in today's episode, otherwise the Katya/Susan/Karl dilemma would have pushed me over the edge. Seriously someone needs to slap Katya and I think that someone should be Susan. Followed by Rachel. Followed my Zeke. Actually Zeke wouldn't have to hit her, he could just shout really loudly at her for manipulating his condition for her own ends. What a bitch! And do not get me started on the lame "teen rebel" story of Rachel trying to do some graffitti - puh-lease!

I am still loving Scotty! What a hero! I loved his robotic attempt to get his film seen by the (frankly too cool for school) head of the film school. I look forward to his photo story. And will love blossom between him and Rachel. He's a whole lot better than squinty Jake that's for sure...

I missed a lot of episodes last week. Have Steph and Max made up? Or is Steph still not being truly honest about everything? Something tells me she is not going to die. Perhaps she will recover a la Lil and find out that she has a long lost son that Lyn secretly adopted out to friends to save her shame. He will hold the miracle cure for breast cancer but will have an unfortunate pyromaniac condition and take up untoward relations with Oscar. Or maybe not. Where is Luka? Has he even been informed of the Bishop deaths. Bet he's set many a briefcase on fire since then...

2006-04-11T21:27:00.000+01:00

Is there a blonde woman on the Street that Dr Levi (who is yawningly characterised as an utterly stereotypical analyst) has not treated for mental health issues? Izzy, Sindi and now Steph. Shock horror Steph is not crazy, just a pain in the ass! I don't know how many more "distressed Steph" storyline we the viewers can take. Though if my proddings into the future are anything to go by the are not over yet.

On another Steph note, sure Boyd is being nice compiling a family history for his new sibling but why oh why include a photo of Steph at her botched marriage to Marc Lambert? Remember this is the man who stood her up at the alter in favour of her younger, hotter sister. Why not a photo of Max and Steph's wedding??

Harold fesses up! The old Harold is back! I for one am relieved I was not at all keen on revengeful, fire and brimstone-quoting Hazza. What will Paul say? Harold couldn't hack prison, he's no Lou, Timmins, Stu or Darcy (to name but a few of the Neighbours jailbirds)!

Also Toadie should go away for a bit. I am finding his ridiculous "comic relief" schticks grating in the extreme and I don't want to feel that way about Mr Rebecci!

2006-03-21T21:58:00.000Z

How many more accusations of malpractice, slanderous rumour and defamation of character storylines can Karl take?

2006-03-16T19:54:00.000Z

Harold Bishop: Proof that crying isn't a bad thing.

Who thought he would go this far? Strangulation, threatening phone calls - what else will monster hazza do? I couldn't help thinking today that he might do something to Dylan after Paul said that he "loved him like a son".

My favourite thing however was the muffin gift, delivered in oven gloves. I suppose baked goods were the least he could do after leaving him for dead...

Also, I never want to hear the phrase "Spunkrat" uttered again. Janelle said it to Kim (who is not in the new credits :O) and Janae said it Boyd, maybe it's a Colac thing. Whatever its etymology it still makes me want to vomit.

And a final note on the new credits. Why a cartoon street? I'm undecided whether I like it or not. Why such a difference between the opening and closing credits? I really like the closing, all understated and tasteful. I think it is the discrepancy between them that has really thrown me.

2006-03-10T21:04:00.000Z

Merry Neighbours Christmas!

A happy day for the Timmins family, as Dylan and Scottie are released from prison, albeit absurdly quickly and without hassle. Still, I liked their big present on the doorstep return. I thought the prison stuff had been great, some wonderful overacting from extras. I get the feeling that we haven't seen the last of Roo, particularly as his character got some last minute depth during the confrontation with Dylan. Perfect blend have an interview with the Richard Cawthorne who plays the crim.

Not a happy Christmas for Harold however. His carefully constructed world of denial is finally collapsing around him, and I think Paul is looking to get knocked oops upside his head. Connor is like a naughty puppy looking in the window of the House of Trouser, it won't be long til he's making a nuddie run. Sky has Dylan. Harold must release the grief.

Speaking of grief, RIP Alex Kinski. I feel they've lost a great character there. Also, it means we are stuck with Katya, whom I have already taken a dislike. At least him and Suse managed to wed before he died. I thought it was brilliant that Karl was a witness, he looked as if he might pass out. Still this is all building up to Kennedy family redux.

A strange communal Christmas. Why are Paul and Izzy being so nice. More importantly why was Izzy wearing red velvet?

2006-03-08T13:21:00.000Z

What a good idea! The Neighbours Drinking Game! I urge everyone to get together and try it....

2006-03-06T13:12:00.000Z

Harold and Connor: It's wrong in every way...

2006-02-15T20:47:00.000Z

Noooo, Joe don't go! Joe, Joe, Joe don't go: we love you so!

2006-02-13T19:46:00.000Z

Come on Rachel, you can do better than squinty Jake! And Zeke you do need to grow a spine - but don't let your "little lady" Bree bully you; once a hitter always a hitter. And Alex, lighten up a bit, I know you have incurable lymphoma but ce la vie. Right that's the Kinski's sorted out.

I am a bit disappointed in a way that Jake was just "getting Susan back" for giving him detention. I was hoping some weird, convoluted story was going to play out involving Izzy's past misdemeanours. I was imagining some story like Sawyer's in Lost. But alas no. It's back to speculating. I seem to spend many hours of my life wondering where Neighbours might go.

Unfortunately for reasons entirely my own I missed most of last week's episodes (thus missing many important devlopments) so I can't really comment on the Timmins court case, the Bishop memorial or Karl's first date. I can however ask whether anyone else cringed and wished the floor to swallow them when Karl's internet lady threw her keys on the table. *Fist in mouth*

Also, does anyone apart from Harold really care that David, Lil and Serena are dead. Now I know I missed their memorial so I might have missed any full-on emotional action but their wake turned into Lyn and Joe's engagement party. I found that even harder to believe than one whole family being killed off.

And as for the Scully-Mangel nuptuals - will it happen or does Sky know her dad too well. I want Joe to stay in Neighbours but something tells me it's not gonna happen. For shame.

2006-01-24T15:03:00.000Z

Have you ever seen that episode of The Simpsons where there is a hurricane in Springfield but the only damage is the ever-faithful, do-gooding Ned Flanders which drives him to release his anger in a big way? Neighbours is very similar at the moment. The Bishops are gone. Gone forever, or until the scriptwriters need to have a miraculous, whole family amnesiac thing anyway. I truly wasn't expecting that outcome at all. I mean Lil and Dave we didn't see but Serena was with Connor and then disappeared. I don't think I have quite come to terms with it to tell the truth. As perfect blend says the signs were there really, the reuniting of the family, the lottery win given away, Serena buying into Bounce and finding TRUE LOVE, the tearful doorstep goodbyes with Harold ("Tata Tata, hahaha") that's why they died and Izzy didn't. Though I shouldn't say died, missing presumed dead is better, like Dee. Who is not dead!

Oh and Connor and Dylan, "I'm a criminal...get me out of here" or what? Killing the fish and the rabbit. Well, Dylan anyway, Connor's not cut out for that malarky. The sooner they move on the better. Become farmhands, make their way to Hobart, start new lives as Sanchez Remiro and Billy-Joe Bludger, possibly with an outback spin-off. Somehow I don't think it will work like that.

I hope Kim stays. It will give Joe a mate, add a bit of humour and working-class Aussie cameraderie to The Street.

2006-01-20T10:01:00.000Z

Oooh, maybe it was Darcy. He has a vendetta against Izzy. But would he stoop this low?

2006-01-19T17:57:00.000Z

They are all bloody at it! Dr. K has a band, sure, he sings in the show (well he used to) but lowe and behold: Lucy De Ville - a band featuring Lil and Cindy! Check it out :)

2006-01-19T17:34:00.000Z

So then, who dunnit?

*Your first thought has to be Gus. He's insane, madly in love with Izzy...but he's dead.

*So then you reason who else would want to blow up Izzy? Perhaps the deceitful lawyer who knows some dirty secrets and is out for revenge? But he is slimy rather than unhinged.

*Perhaps our favourite deranged character is back up to her her old tricks That's right, perhaps Cindy has some final scores to settle.

*Finally, could it be, *gasp* Rosie? Back to right the wrongs done by her wayward daughter! It's a few easy steps: mother, minister, murderer...

2006-01-19T14:35:00.000Z

The angst, the regret! It's all going on at Harold's. How dare Karl attack Harold's God? Nobody does that. Even if they are guilt-ridden about giving their ex-wife, whom they still love, a ticket for the disaster plane. I love that Paul was the first named survivor - probably for the best cos he wouldn't have been able to tread water for long one would imagine. But where did Serena go? Did she drown? Swim off to her parents? Not without Connor surely.

Speaking of Connor, wasn't that a tender moment he shared with Dylan? Particularly as those two characters never really interact. Can't see them both going in the faked death thing though, not in the long run - there's too much redemption and consequence-facing to be had.

I must admit that I am slightly disappointed that characters have been rescued without being seen in the water. Surely it was a perfect dramatic moment, each one battling against their watery death, the struggle, the heroism, they are award guarantees.

2006-01-18T14:14:00.000Z

I'm not afraid to admit that I just shed a few tears. What a cracking episode. The laughter turning to fear, the hurried goodbyes and the truth being blurted at the point of no return. Susan! Poor Susan! I'd drown too if I thought I was left with Izzy. Who, despite her faults, has a chance a redemption through saving Elle. At least others who are less stubborn and grudge-bearing than I am might grant her clemency.

Well done on the set design and effects. Plane disasters do not come cheap and what with Neighbour's budgetry and time constraints, the fact that they could not do Lost-level crash effects (as in not actually having a crash on screen - very Greek tragedy) in no way detracted from the emotion and reality of the scenes. In fact it was perhaps more impressive because these are characters you care about (or at least are so familiar with that it can't help but draw you in).

And the wonderful scene juxtapositions between the plane and the Timminses respective dramas. Poor Scottie can't do time - that's just not Cuban. And how on Earth can "The Bogan's Tipped Hair" get a publishing deal? Do you think that the publishers will meet Janelle and realise that instead of the book being a pastiche of suburban life she really is a bogan and will be an embarrassment on any sort of press junket. Ooh but her mother's intuition told her something was going to happen to Dylan (making a sandwich presumably).

Finally, don't you love it when Toadie and Stu interact when in their respective job modes? Ooh, I am so excited for tomorrow - the action, the drama, the grief and the remorse!

2006-01-17T21:07:00.000Z

OH MY GAWD!

There's a bomb on the plane. There's a freaking bomb on the plane. Who planted it? Has Gus come back from the dead? Who else has it in for Izzy - and doesn't mind killing others. I was on the edge of my seat, I can't wait for tomorrow. I read something shocking on BBC spoliers - but I can't bring myself to give it away. I just hope it all works out ok.

I liked the 1940s clothes, very snappy, I'd like that Susan was a parody of the Susan in "The Bogan's Tipped Hair".

I can't write too much now, I'm too excited about the action packed episodes of the next few days - today was just the build-up. I'll jitter back to you again very soon. Enjoy my fellow Streetsters!

2006-01-14T15:21:00.000Z

Why would David give away ALL his money? Seriously. I know it's all growth of character, how much he has changed since the David we first met, blah blah blah but all that money. Couldn't he have given the Salvos half of it? Pay off their debt, set up college/life funds for the girls, maybe give Harold a little something. Am I the only one who wonders how the General Store, popular as it is, makes enough to support four main characters along with other casual staff. I can't wait to see David in his Army uniform, should be a sight to behold!

Let's make sure we tune in all next week (and not keep missing it, even though we're in the house) because things are going to get interesting. The Lassiters plane party looks set to be an explosive success!

2006-01-03T12:19:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

Sadly not much posting throughout December as I prepared for (and then enjoyed) the festive season. Much is happening on The Street. Elle is a bitch, I don't want to feel sorry for Izzy - even if she was wearing a top I own. I don't like the return of Carmella either. I used to think her and Connor were a nice couple but she's come back all weird and ruthless. I watched an old episode this morning on UKGold - back when Tad and Paul were living with Harold and Lyn had better hair (and Joe #1) it was great nostalgia! Speaking of Joe Scully I found out waht he's doing in Bendigo to pass the lonely Lyn-free hours - starring in Sheila's Wheels car insurance adverts! I say star, but crowd scene is more accurate! We still love ya Joe!

2005-12-07T14:50:00.000Z

Perfect blend provides a handy list of where Streetsters past and present are doing panto this year. He's behind you!

Also, a random thought: Serena in the House of Trouser shouldn't be allowed.

2005-12-07T14:25:00.000Z

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo *intake of breath* ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex can't die, he simply can't - I won't allow it. I like the Kinski family too much and him and Susan make such a lovely couple. I am truly devastated. Rachel and Zeke can't be orphaned (though Susan could take them in) it would be too sad. Kinski senior's too cool: he bought Suse first edition Iris Murdoch - the Street needs to hang on to characters like him.

And ooh mega-bitch Steph! I know Sky kinda started the whole 'why are our parents dating' argument but Steph made it her own. Joe's not a work-shy bludger, well not really. I know that really she is still reeling from her parent's split and Joe's resemblence of Joe only exacerbates this but she didn't have to be so mean. And she makes the third female on the Street who is coming to terms with her missing father figure - perhaps Steph, Sky and Janae should band together and form a club.

And she didn't phone Lyn to apologise she wanted to stick the boot in again - what a bitch! I am already bored with the Steph pregnancy storyline - it brings out the worst in the Steph and Max characters whom I can barely abide at the best of times. The other day on the Wright Stuff there was a "discussion" about smug pregnant women that I thought was laughable and slightly offensive but I realised this afternoon that Steph embodies precisely that. She din't think she would get pregnant and now she is so the world must move out of her way. "Look at my little miracle!"

2005-11-29T14:32:00.000Z

What can I say? Naughty Janae. Mud sticks like a dag to a sheep's arse as Joe might say, and I don't know how Karl will get through this. I guess it has been building up for sometime but I didn't think it was going to end like this. Dadadaa! I was glad, as always, that Scottie was the voice of reason. Until, that is, he recieved the call from Janae and will let her go merrily on her way - he should have verbally slapped her in the face about what she's done to Karl. It looks like I was right about Janelle. Why would she lie to her kids? but then why has Kim not seen them to set things straight? I am quite excited at the prospect of seeing the Timmins man. Also where are Bree and Dylan? Their sister is missing, you think they might be mentioned at some point as showing a vague interest.

I guess we'll carry on this theme with Naughty Izzy. Busted for trying to buy prescription drugs off the Elvis-nurse. I truly hope they won't continue with this storyline in order to induce sympathy and forgiveness for Izzy - it's better that no one likes her! Also, why does she get mentioned when people talk about Karl and the schoolgirls? Hello, she's thirty - yes quite a bit younger than him but not pervert young. Sheeze.

And to divert form Neighbours: Happy Birthday Sam! How's it feels to be 22?

2005-11-25T00:27:00.000Z

Lou bustin' ghetto moves in the General Store has to be one of my favourite moments ever. And his taking to wearing a backwards cap. What will Harold say?!

I am loving the relationship developments between Susan and Alex, he is so delightfully clueless and accident prone. I always thought Suse was gonna get back with Karl, rightly or wrongly, but now I really hope this relationship get some milage and that the Kinskis move onto the Street. I mean she needs a heroic male about the house. The way he charged in and put the fire out. One question, why does Susan have that large a fire extinguisher at home? and why was it propped up next to the breakfast bar? I guess for the inevitable moment her famous pasta caught alight. Oh, a bouffing her in the nose instead of kissing, teehee! A great plot twist that allowed Joe's macho, heroic side to shine through. A bloke can't very well go hitting a sheila now can he? Oh but literally sweeping her off her feet in the class (though I hope it was the end of the day or that she didn't have other classes to teach) they make a cute couple.

Just think if Alex moved into Susan's and Joe moved in to Lynnie's they could have neighbourly/class-based spats a la Karl and Joe Scully. It would be like the good ole days!

I know Ned Parker has been brought in as new eye-candy (though I don't particularly see it) but there was more acting credability in Stu's soul patch. I think his heart is in the right place though. The actor, Dan O'Connor was a Australian Idol finalist so perhaps we have some crooing to look forward to from the other boy wonder of Oakey.

And what was Stu thinking running into the clinic like that? He just can't help being a hero. My, he has come along way since Life Mechanics....

2005-11-22T11:39:00.000Z

Lou in the House of Trouser - how fabulous is that? It's the perfect place, for is nothing if not one of the boys! Gotta be better than living with Harold. Not that that odd couple routine isn't funny it's just kinda "done".

I love Izzy and Paul shaking things up a bit and Izzy's unwavering belief that she shouldn't be judged on her actions (particuarly by her family). Perhaps it's having a vicar as a mum with a "Judge not lest ye be judged" attitude but come on you lying trollop!But then she is developing an addiction to anti-depressants and sleeping pills and Paul for all his wicked ways as a loathing for new new body image. Two human vulnerablities Janelle would write off as a "shades of grey" characterisation but gives the characters some depth - a story Susan would be proud of!

And we can all see where the hideous Karl and Janae story is going. She loves him as a father, everyone thinks he's being an old perv - Nightmare! And has Janelle been lying about Kim's other "molls"? That would be interesting. What would happen if it emerged she had gained her children's love partly through gaining their pity and pitting her moral character against their father's. Oooh.... On the other hand I may have got totally the wrong end of the stick and that storyline won't pan out half as excitingly as I have hoped.

Glad Lyn and Joe have been honest in their feelings - Joe needs a Missus and Lyn needs a Joe - she just doesn't work as a single character. And if they do stay together that means Joe will be in the Street indefinitely, which means yay for us Joe-loving viewers!

2005-11-17T11:19:00.000Z

If I have been quiet for sometime it is because I have literally only managed to regain speech since Izzy and Paul's break-in. They were wearing black! All black! It was the middle of the day! Why?!

And why is it that you miss one episode (sorry to disappoint) and the next day Max and Steph are pregant - random much? And Beefcake Boydy is back from camp and is renouncing the Beefy to become a doctor. Having said that, this writer's encounters with medical students means we shouldn't write-off his Neanderthal Man tendencies just yet.

I'm glad Lou is back and true to form sleeping in his place of business. I know the old devil has fallen on hard times of late but surely the man can afford to pay rent somewhere? I have just read that Tom Oliver who plays Lou originally came from Fareham in Hampshire which isn't too far from my home town - which makes me love the old scoundrel more! Random fact: He is now a member of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.

Why did Karl give Janae a referral? Is he mad? By giving in to her request he is condoning her decision and isconsequently giving validity to the reasons she is choosing this procedure. What will Suse say?

And Sindi telling Stu she wants an annulment - finally she's realised he is better off without her. They never seemed to work as a couple anyway but that is probably my loathing for Sindi tarring my judgement. The only downside to her hospitalisation is that it upsets Scottie and that is no good - he just doesn't suit melancholy.

2005-11-12T23:48:00.000Z

Oh yes and Joe Mangel strikes again: Barker eggs! What more can you say? I hope Joe stay forever!

2005-11-12T15:46:00.000Z

My oh my isn't Serena a naughty little minx?! I love Connor, he's an asset to the Street but I just can't bear to watch them googly-eying each other and now kissing and declaring love. (Puh-lease!) And just how old is Connor for that matter? It is hard to tell, but he is no Chris Cousens and she is 17. Was anyone else watching through their fingers as Serena modelled bikinis or lured him into bed in her ridiculous nightwear?

I love the Kinski family, when are they going to move to the Street? They are the perfect educated, high-brow, kooky, socially inept trio ever. No Rachel, singing and dancing like that in the halls is not acceptable. Nor is it anywhere for that matter. All I really have to say on the matter is: Susan and Alex sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. (still singing) Actually, everything with him is hy-per-bo-le!

Oooh, and Izzy pulling up in a limo and wobbling on her heels, what a nerve! Stirs things up a bit though, especially if they persist in throwing exclusive parties. I loved Max's bitchiness about that, I have been waiting for him to snap for quite some time. And what is up with Steph? Cancer back? I don't think it is, but I can't believe she is bottling it up again, Max will not be pleased. I look forward to that implosion!

2005-11-09T21:59:00.000Z

Psycho-Sindi Qu'est-ce que c'est? Run run run run run run run away....

How amazing was the revealation of Sindi's madness? It was even better than I had hoped. Don't get me wrong, I don't revel in the plight of mental illness but those flashbacks were great. And that weird glint in her eye. Wonderful! Thankfully Stu saw her, I don't think I could have with his disbelief much longer. But will they stay married? Can he really love his new bride now that he knows about her acute delusional paranoia with a tendency to violence?

And what about Izzy disappearing to the Scarlet Bird retreat? That good-for-nothing harlot never changes! My one question. If she wasn't trying to fake her own death as she asserts, why did she not drive her car all the way up to the retreat. And how was she paying for the visit? A massive wad of cash she already had? Stiger wasn't doing a very good job of hunting for a missing person if he wasn't checking her bank account. That's all I'm saying. And my oh my didn't Karl get cross with her, I can't wait to see if Paul and Izzy do shack up together on the Street. Speaking of Number 22, where has Lou gone? Has far as I can tell he isn't at Harold's, the General Store and of course he doesn't have a pub office to sleep in anymore. Come back Lou!

2005-11-02T21:48:00.000Z

Ah, so many storylines, so much excitement - where to begin?

The wedding, it has to be the wedding. Psycho Sindi actually managed to succeed in getting Stu to marry her and poor Toadie looked the crazy one - when Suse doesn't believe you, you know it's bad. You can't beat a good Neighbours wedding can you? Not sure where to rate this one as yet but it did have an interuption, fisticuffs and Harold giving Sindi away (anyone else find that odd?!) so it did have a lot of point scorers. I've never really been comfortable with Sindi as a character and a bridezilla Sindi was a little bit too much for me. Toadie's fall was sublime though. "Oooh, the reflection in the mirror - of course - must hurry to do something (with my pants down) and ooh I'm falling and knocking my head". Serves him right for wearing those boxers in many ways. I can't wait for him to stir up some more trouble with the newlyweds - but how will Stu react? And how much more are we going to see of Ned from Oakey - Stu's little brother. And what is it with Parker men and crap facial hair - must be a country thing....

There's a new family on the block - the Kinskis. We have only encountered widower dad Alex so far (a lecturer at Eden Hills University - yes that well regarded establishment) but as his kids have been home-schooled their adjustment to Erinsborough High should be interesting. Kinda like when Sky "School of the Air" Mangel joined - I hope. He certainly has a thing for Susan (Was there any definite sparkage? I'm not so sure as yet but he could be the intellectual man of integrity that she has been searching for).

My favourite shot of the last few days has to be the joggers finding Izzy's car (we didn't need the picture - only Izzy would have those car seats) because they kept with Neighbour's extras bad acting.
- We're jogging, jogging, ooh a car - strange place to be - let's look at in a puzzled manner and approach with caution. My goodness! Blood! She's ruined her good cream fur seat covers!

Izzy's disappearance has given a perfect opportunity for Stiger to be tough cop extrodinaire - "You were the last one to see Miss Hoyland alive". You don't know she's dead! Come on, there wasn't that much blood....

Finally I can't wait to see Sky's "Kid's Party" themed 18th birthday. Can you imagine Janelle and David sitting down together to play pass the parcel?!The party will be followed by a sleepover accompanied by a screening of Ghostworld and films by that actress who Sky hosted the appreciation meeting for in the cafe many eons ago (still my favourite use of extras).

2005-10-31T00:17:00.000Z

Excellent news Ramsay friends, Dr Karl is hitting the drizzly shores of old Blighty in November for a second tour with his band Waiting Room. I was bitterly disappointed to miss him last time so perhaps i should get my skates on to snap up a ticket! Alan Fletcher's website gives more details. (And a link to an interview with Jo Whiley *shudder*)

Also, exciting news for Ramsey Panto fans - Toadie and Stu are both treading the borads this year in Canterbury and Stafford respectively. Let's hear for House of Trouser pranking - "He's behind you!"

2005-10-27T18:43:00.000+01:00

Well, I have missed discussing a few episodes this week, for shame. Especially as Tuesday's epsiode was amazing. I love Janelle's novel writing, that bad blonde wig that looked like one of Sindi's disguises. And Susan's head attire and drapy gown - so perfect! Not the sort of episode to watch with the Neighbours uninitiated. Oooh and Izzy's failed attempt to get it on with Paul (or has the schoolkids are calling him, Stumpy) leading to Lou moving out after finding out about their affair. Will he sleep in the General Store like he did in Lou's Place when he last fell on hard times?

And what has happened to Izzy? I loved the final shot of the door closing behind Paul. has he hurt her? Driven her away? Given her the means to get as long as she doesn't blab? Could she be the one who trashed his house? Will this be her means to get sympathy after her failed attempt to lie about being raped? (A word Neighbours scriptwriters dare not speak!)

I loved that Toadie got a stripper dressed as a Judge - think she did the summons on Stu? And spying Sindi, won't someone be kind and just put her out of her misery. Something tells me this Neighbours wedding isn't going to run smoothly. Will Trent, Kelly, Toadie and all those she has hurt, played and conned over the years coem out and bite her neurotic, waifish bum? I hope so, as I have never taken to Sindi as a character.

And we say goodbye to Lucy "acting through pouting" Robinson today, who leaves Stumpy with Mr Sticky in a trashed house and a whole lot of enemies. What is it with Neighbours invalid males and the anthropomorphisation of their aids? He should talk to Stu and see whether Mr Sticky could make the acquaintance of Percy the fold-up white stick. That would be the only surreal moment to beat the dramatisation of Janelle's book....

2005-10-24T17:31:00.000+01:00

I urge everyone to have a go on Harold Bishop - The Lost Years. It almost beggars belief! Particularly the Harold/Karl animated photo montage - supoib!

2005-10-24T17:25:00.000+01:00

Cor, what an episode!

Glad the Izzy story line was back - the self-pitying whingerl. Thankfully Max put her straight and this time he isn't going to clean up her mess especially when she won't reciprocate the duty. "We were in love, surely that counts for something?" No, you liar! I am glad that she still has another secret up her sleeve - her affair with Paul. Just wait until Karl finds out about that. And Lil. Woo, that should be fun!

Why didn't Kayla tell Anthony about the baby, he seemed a nice enough fella. I guess that isn't a very good plot vis a vis Max and Steph's failed attempts to become parents. It's a shame the new young family won't be living on the street, I was quite looking forward to a cute Ramsay baby for a change. However, I get the feeling the Hoyland baby story is far from over....

It is so perfect that Lyn fancies Joe (or "J.." as she never manages to say his name) as they seem right for each other. She may have flirted with the idea of romancing "Thornbirds" Tom Scully or "Playboy" Bobby Hoyland but at the of the day she needs a straight up Aussie bloke - basically someone Susan isn't going to date.

And speaking of Suse, will she go to gaye Paree? They both could use the break, but will it work between them? I love Karl's new found Carpe Diem attitude (or "cosmic lightswitch") curtesy of Janae Timmins. And finally- what thehell was she wearing today?!

2005-10-20T14:55:00.000+01:00

Favourite line of today: I've just dropped the kids off at the pool.

Haha, bless you Joe!

I can't believe they didn't mention the baby situation - are they just going to have a baby that doesn't belong to them in the house indefinitely or will the show do that thing of going back tomorrow and time won't have moved on much in the Hoyland house?

And we say goodbye to Dougie Willis, misshapen Philip Martin and most unfortunately Lance who returns home immediately to help Alana with her Klingon problem. (Lately I have been having flashbacks about how freakin' weird the character of Alana was.) And so Lance beams up to the great big sci-fi convention in the sky. Not really, but the US didn't really have the same punch....

Connor and Serena? I just don't see it myself. But then he did go out with Shell so who knows? And she helped him to read in the same way that Serena helped Stingray to cope with his ADHD, so maybe it could work after all.

And speaking of Stingray, well done for speaking to the Lawman about that awful bint Go-go's sexual harrassment. The sooner she's gone the better I say. Go-go-go-away!

Finally, I know it's been around for a little while now but I am really loving the newest edition to the Neighbours soundtrack, 'I've never been to Cuba'. Props to Chris Pettifer for all his Neighbours creations and musical choices!

2005-10-20T12:30:00.000+01:00

Ugh, ill, late in blogging, mind fuggy...

What can I say but welcome back ya flamin' ga-la! So far I am loving the return of Joe Mangel - the street always needs a Joe and I don't think the Scully variety will be back any time soon.

Well Kayla surely picks her moments to realise she can't raise her baby alone or with Boyd - right after Steph and Max have been struck from the adoptive parents list - FOREVER. However I wonder whether this situation will be like Steph's appeal where suddenly and unseen it is all taken care of.

And as someone from the House of Trouser might say "David you old dog", who knew he had it in him?!

That's all I can muster...for now....

2005-10-19T12:07:00.000+01:00

HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY NEIGHBOURS!

Well, what a Neighbours-party of a day. From Andi Peter's live Breakfast broadcast from the set to bumping Doctors off its 2.05 slot for a celebration of all things Neighbours, I have had a great day. I know many of my fellow devotees did too (and my heart goes out to those who missed it - I wish I had taped it).

I am so glad to see Joe Mangel back on the street, and by all accounts he should provide some great storylines. I liked how the episode attempted to keep some normality, particularly at the start, before descending into an unabashed slush-fest. So let's cover the regular plots, staring with Beefcake Boydy (Who did his first live interview today!) and the baby shenanigans. Steph will never have her baby! Or will she...? Paul moving on to the street? The man loves S+M you've gotta give him that. And Karl finally piecing together all the clues Izzy had tried so hard to cover - the ultrasound, the ruse to stop Karl attending doctors appointments. I remember those heady days way back when, shouting at the screen that he was a fool - we did it for so long!

Anyway, the "documentary" was supoib! Not as an actual documentary of course (though I stand by Annalise's word that it's a rough cut) but as a walk down "Memory Street". (I have been thinking about how to pun that all day and still can't make it work!) So many old faces, and so many in London (Hannah, Mel, Sam, Sarah "chubster" Beaumont) and I loved Billy's ruse of being a carpenter on holiday in LA when we all know he is a fancy doctor in House.

How dare Sarah Beaumont flirt with the Doc like that and rub Suse's nose in it - a bit random to say the least. And Flick, bringing up the Marc Lambert debacle as her route to, um, fame. ("What a bitch") Though Steph's showdown with her is one of my favourite moments (btw it is available for repeat viewing as a classic clip) and it got a look in on the Neighbours: A Celebration programme.

Cor, it's all a bit too much really, so let's join Harold in his toast to "Neighbours!", long may it continue!

2005-10-17T14:35:00.000+01:00

Yes, yes, oh yes! I can hardly muster the words to describe that episode. Interweaving two killer storylines so every scene kept me muttering things (or gesticulating wildly) at the screen.

I would actually like to break with precedence and ignore Izzy-meltdown for the time being and say a big "welcome back" to Lance - we have missed you! Of all the returnees I hope he sticks around for a while. Let's boot Sindi out of the House of Trouser and get Lance back into number 30 pronto!

Still finding the Kayla/Boyd/Baby and the Hoylands scenario difficult, I have never been a big fan of Beefcake Boydy but why does he have to be so cruel to Max and Steph? Kayla doesn't love him and they don't have a future - why hasn't Sky been over to hit him with the reality stick yet? Come on and dig yourself out of this hopeless situation Boydy!

But oh yes, Izzy's tower of lies has come crashing down around her and Karl has finally woken up and smelled the Izzy-chino - what a stinker! And for it to happen publicly, outside Lassiters with Suse, Paul et al watching, who could ask for more?! That is surely going to to become a classic clip! To quote A: For once, thank God for Max! And it's true, without Max finally realising what a conniving little madam his sister is, this time bomb of a storyline could have ticked on indefinitely (ignoring the onset of stomach ulcers). I have been waiting for Max to close the door on Izzy for a long time. Oh, and the shot of Izzy looking hopelessly across the street at Susan who then throws out her garbage and wipes her hands of the situation - bee-u-ti-ful!

20th Anniversary tomorrow and the Beeb is having a Ramsay fest - a good backdrop for any Neighbours party. Breakfast is coming live from the street, Annalise is screening her documentary in tomorrow's episode and at 2:05pm it's Neighbours: A Celebration. What a day to be had! You know what? I may even watch today's episode again later it was THAT good! Enjoy the party!

2005-10-15T13:04:00.000+01:00

What a bitch! How could she lie like that - again?! And to lie about rape, well, I hope Susan shows what a despicable thing that is to do because Karl is certainly too much of a muggins to see. And once again "well done" to the scriptwriters for yet another twist to this plot - when they mean business they mean business! Oh, and for Karl to accuse Susan of blackmail - supoib!

However, this episode worked especially well because of the juxtaposition of Izzy-mess with the sentimentality of the return of past characters. Doug and Phil certainly bring back old memories - I just love the Likely Lads aspect to them. Little Lucy Robinson returned with some fine acting skills, but perhaps she is what Paul needs right now (apart from being taken out into the bush again or thrown into the toxic Lassiters pond).

Also gotta love any epsiode that introduces new credits - especially one with a somewhat outdated shot of Paul and Dylan looking suited and booted. However the Timmin's bursting star effect wins out as my favourite introduction! And finally, did anyone else notice that Lou was holding a Jackie Collins novel at the beginning of the episode? Weird...

2005-10-13T14:08:00.000+01:00

Well, well, well the Izzy-fit to end all Izzy-fits. I love it when she is near breaking point and starts to shout at people randomly and generally calls them hypocrites - a case of projecting your biggest fear onto others I feel. Imagine if the truth was revealed back when Tom found out, oh how the last few months would have been different.

My favourite moment had to be Izzy sleeping in the bandstand with her cardboard blanket. (Presumably after her night of clubbing: the standard Izzy fall out strategy!) This season Izzy will be modelling Hobo chic....

Props to the effects people for giving us Paul sans leg - it works very well. But even with all his pain and new found appreciation of life (from the moment I like to call "Freewheelin' Paul Robinson") he is still incapable of truly loving. This is borne out of my favourite line in today's show: "Don't make me hate you". Ouch!

Oh yes, and there hasn't been a forbidden teen love story for sometime (Boyd and Kayla discounted because that's something else entirely), just how will Dylan and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow manage for a whole month without seeing each other right after the 'I love you' moment?

And finally, let's be thankful that Stinger talked to the voice of reason (aka Suse) because sexual harassment in the workplace is no laughing matter - even if he is cute in his pink cycle shorts!

2005-10-11T21:50:00.000+01:00

As I no longer live in a "Neighbours house" I do not get to discuss, dissect, rant and rave about plot developments, amazing scenes, wonderful camera angles and soundtracking. So I am going to write about it instead!

Well, let's jump straight in - and frankly I can't think of a better time to start this blog. Neighbours approaches it's 20th anniversary with some amazing plot developments. The Karl/Izzy/Susan saga that has been simmering away for a long time now is finally reaching a boiling point and I for one can't wait until Izzy gets her comeuppance for her lying and general bad behaviour! However Karl finding out about the baby is only the half of it. Exciting times for those of us who wondered just how long the script writers could maintian the suspense - and they have done an admirable job.

Also the anniversary sees some blasts from the past, and I am intrigued how they all find their way back to the Street after all this time. Though if the basis of Annalise Hartman's imminent return is anything to go by it should make for excellent viewing!

"Annalise Hartman, now working for the BBC, is back to film a documentary based on her old friends in Ramsay Street!" (bbc.co.uk/neighbours)

And finally I urge you all to play Harold's Feeding Frenzy. It's inspired!