DRW50

Nino Schibetta - Oz

Night of the Hunter

Push It - Salt n Pepa

Little Shop of Horrors

Naughty - Chaka Khan

Laurette Barber - China Beach

Julia

JJ Walker - Good Times

Here's a short bit of Rita Symons and Sam Womack auditioning.

I agree that he belongs on Emmerdale. He was a very interesting character, even if they squandered him by having him just there to wind Andy up. Karl Davies wanted to leave the show. I don't think he's ever said anything about returning, one way or the other. From 2006-2009 he was filming a show called Kingdom with Stephen Fry but that has been canceled. I'd love to see him back again but I think the show might feel they have moved on from the Sugdens. Not having Matt or Dolly at the funeral was a waste. I guess they might have felt that they were on such a long time ago that viewers didn't need to see them, but this was about saying goodbye to history, to the very essence of Emmerdale, not just a character.

I think that would be too dark...although anything in this story might be dark. I wonder if Natasha might go to prison and Maisie is sent away to a clinic. Either that or they flee the country with Will.

Not a big surprise. I was surprised she stayed this long, she rarely stays anywhere for long. I'm sorry to see her go, she was fantastic, far better than a lot of the stunt casting on soaps in recent years. I hope they won't just write out all the Wyldes/Lambs because Maisie and Natasha are going. I think Nathan is a great character and while there is not exactly a huge purpose for Ryan, I think he could work as a flawed but decent young male character if he gets the writing. There aren't a lot of them on the canvas at the moment.

I think the show took her for granted. Apparently they were surprised she quit. I wonder if the last straw was the extremely degrading story about having sex in the toilets with Jack, then behaving like his grieving widow-to-be after barely dating him, before being dumped offcamera. If they'd ever given her a good story then she could have been an asset to the show. I think that Santer tended to just lump all the black characters together in one storyline without actually giving most of them a point of view. I do wonder what Daphne is, she kind of went through various stages, so that might be interesting. I'd like to see more of Kim too, as we never really actually saw her grieving, perhaps because she was there to get a reaction out of the Foxes, not to actually show her emotions.

Amello, Robert and Debbie had sex not long before his disastrous exit from the village. Funnily enough, the guy who plays Robert, Karl Davies, has for about four or five years been dating Jenna Louise Coleman, who played Debbie's best friend/soulmate Jasmine. Jackson tends to just be written as giving banter, in lieu of a strong characterization. It's kind of odd, but I don't think they know what to do with him as he was mostly brought in to give Aaron a love interest (not that you'd know they were love interests based on the body language). Probably the one episode where he wasn't like that was the one where he and Aaron first consummated their relationship. Perhaps things will improve

They've used music a fair amount over the last few years. My all time favorite was the superb episode where Ashley and a very distant and angry Laurel won custody of their biological son Arthur from the parents he'd been mistakenly given to at birth, Greg and Mel Doland. Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" played at the start of the episode, and then near the end, when Mel Doland collapsed in tears outside the judge's chambers. Using it too much blunts the impact and also invites itself to criticism -- already some at DS are saying the scene was ruined because of the music choice.

Rarren to go - classic. Nice to see Darren's bare chest (I wish he didn't wax though). The only time I enjoyed Mitzeee was when she sprayed Val with the big water gun. I thought her entrance was very poorly done -- why focus on the back of her legs, which frankly didn't look too great, to show us how hot she was? Is she supposed to be hot or is she supposed to THINK she's hot, like Katie Price/Jordan? There's a difference. And there's no faster way to make me tire of someone than putting them in a scene with Duncan and his pigfaces. The stuff with Loretta just makes Frankie and Steph look stupid. I'm glad they had the moment where Nancy realized Loretta was the one in control. Didn't care for the lipstick but otherwise they've done a good job transitioning Nancy into older clothes. At least Jem almost sort of seemed happy a few times in the episode. The water fight was fun.

Ben was sort of like Van's son in the early years of the show, right? Were they close when Ben returned as an adult?

Whose ass is that? That seems like something Freddie Mercury would have done if he would have gotten away with it. That song is definitely in the groove of Moroder. The start reminds me of I Feel Love.

Kim Tiddy backstage. Some fun moments with Jimmy McKenna and Ashley Taylor Dawson, it's a bit boring until then.

Cherie was mentioned briefly in the December 78 SOD, as dating Andy Merriot's dual identity. I guess she wasn't a very important character. Do you think any of these characters staying around would have made a difference to the show? For some reason I thought Cal and Rick were there until the end, I'm not sure why. I hope the recaps helped fill in a few blanks...

Always love this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXA5qEG_Ho0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffzgkJy5zTI&feature=related

Thanks for posting those interviews. The show went to a lot of effort to try to keep this a secret and I'm glad the public seems to have responded. I think it helps that the clues are there if you look for them. It's better to not be totally surprised than to be surprised and annoyed, don't you think? Poor Denise looked so old and gaunt when she was locked up in And credit to Don Gilet for his rambling and scary as hell "eulogy" for Denise. I really enjoy Diane Parish, even that interview has so much life to it. I love the part where she said she hid her face and hair and walked like Fatboy to get to a taping. And Tameka Empson, that was a hilarious quote -- chalk and cheese and the macaroni casserole hasn't been made yet. I hope they still have plans for Denise, and Diane just couldn't talk about it. After all this great stuff in the past few months that has shown what an asset she is to the show, I'd like to see more of her. I assume that's why they brought Kim back and also brought in Daphne. A gap between the front teeth is OK with me (look at how far Lauren Hutton has gone), but this one was a bit distracting. I don't know what to make of Daphne, in some scenes she seemed slightly dizzy and in others she was tough. I can't wait to see Denise, Kim, and Daphne in a scene together. I can't help feeling a little sorry for Liz. Apparently Libby feels the same way. I was never a big fan of Liz but when Patrick was so dismissive towards her I did feel bad, as at one point she was in love with him. I guess it's a bit obvious but I liked the contrast of the Foxes together as the Mitchells were apart. I'm not sure if Roxy would have moved out so quickly (although they at least had her react appropriately to living with Glenda), but perhaps she's afraid if she stays with Peggy she will begin to doubt Ronnie again. This has been one of the first times I have ever really bought the relationship between Ronnie and Roxy. I know there will probably be more conflict to come but it's been nice to see Roxy support her sister. And Albert still exists! I wonder if this will end with the family forgiving Peggy, as I can't see such a downbeat exit happening for an iconic character, one who has no bad blood with the show, as Wendy Richard did. I'm glad they had Peggy remember her relationship with the vile Harry Slater, although at first I did a double take as I thought she called him "Charlie" (actually she said "charming"). Having Jodie react that way to Darren is a bit silly and makes her look foolish, which they have managed to successfully avoid most of the time, but I did love Max's reaction. Jake Wood is so good at comedy. It's been a strong week for Eastenders, and hopefully that will just keep going.

Thanks Paul Raven. I hope I didn't post anything you were going to post, I always enjoy the recaps you post So Bruce had leukemia for most of 1978? You could tell in the earlier 1977 stuff that Ian was probably going to end up dead. I didn't realize that was how it would be though. Did Arlene lose this baby? So Carrie was Arlene's mother. Did she ever have any other stories? Was she just a talk-to?

This is from March 1977, so I guess this might cover late 1976? I don't know how it works. Ben is more than ever resolved to make sure that Suzanne never lacks her father. He has goals now: to get a job and to win Betsy back. His first goal, considering his prison record, is easily achieved. A sporting goods store has hired him. His next goal receives an unexpected setback when he calls to tell Betsy about his job and Jamie answers the phone. Ben is crushed, he feels a fool. He has no idea that Jamie just dropped by to give Betsy her copy of the annulment papers, that, in fact Jamie is leaving for New York. Ben does not know that Betsy's heart still belongs to him, no matter how hard she tries, she cannot forget him. Felicia wishes she had Di's faith, her easy communication with God. Taking Di's advice, Felicia visits the hospital chapel, where she vows to do anything to help Charles recover. When Eddie finds her there, and tries to talk to her, to offer his help and - yes - to remind her of their love, she wounds his heart deeply when she says she feels sure God is punishing her for loving him. THis new burden of guilt is too, too much for her to bear. LYNN KNOWS SHE IS LOVED Lynn's mother calls Bruce in answer to his letter. The first call is taken by Lynn, who puts the phone down in tears because her mother has expressed a strong desire to have nothing more to do with her. Bruce takes the second call himself. After a peremptory discussion with the woman, Bruce says he sees now, why Lynn has the problems she has. Overhearing, Lynn is overjoyed to hear Bruce express deep concern for her welfare, and a true respect for her innate goodness and sweetness. She hugs him in gratitude after he says he wants to apply for papers that will make him her legal guardian. Lynn is truly loved, now. Arlene is afraid to declare herself completely to Tom. She is falling in love with him and his obvious affection for her seems too good to be true. She lacks the confidence to realize she has all the important qualities he is looking for. She is just happy being with him. As for Tom, he walks on air at the sight of her. The sale of Beaver Ridge is set in motion. Meg hopes to entice Rick by being a social butterfly. He is too concerned with matters of business to think anything about her, except a vague mistrust of the sale...it is going too smoothly. There must be a catch. HAS BEN GOT A CHANCE? After Betsy admits there is no other man in her life, Ben presses her to admit that she still loves him. The most she will commit herself is to allow him a chance to prove he will not hurt her again, to prove that he is really a "new" Ben. He is elated, sure he can win back the love of his sweet Betsy. Ian Russell has signed the deal, but Rick must come up with $100,000. Where can he raise that kind of money? At the final signing, Meg must suppress her tears. Rick is embarrassed and reminds he he is married to Cal, now. She makes a private vow that he WILL forget about her daughter someday. Ian offers Arlene the job as hostess at Beaver Ridge, if she wants it, without telling her he has bought out Meg. Banking on her basic feelings of inferiority, he reminds her that this would be her chance to "show all of them" - especially Meg. It gives Arlene pause...THAT would be just nifty. Ian also decides to get a line on Arlene's "friend" by finding out that he is Dr. Tom Crawford and asking for a cardiac examination. It is obvious to Tom that he is being investigated and he finds it disturbing and insulting. It is small help when Betsy suggests that Ian is jealous of him. Ray Slater's celebration of the big deal is short-lived when Ian tells him to arrange accommodations for two in Puerta Vallerta for New Year's Eve. Ray still wants Arleen for himself, and he tries to convince himself that she would never go away with Ian. Her mother would not like it. VAYA CON DIOS Di says her touching farewells. She has decided to join the mission society as a trainee, hopefully in Peru. All her past heartaches have, she feels, worked to shape her, destining her for this work, for this deep, deep happiness she has found at last. Johnny is especially hurt by Di's leaving. He feels abandoned and frightened by the change. Di does her best to tell him that life IS change, but love can be changeless, if it is strong enough. Eddie tries again and again to change Felicia's mind about that vow, but she is adamant, though heartbroken. At Van's for dinner, she is startled by a call from the hospital. There has been a change in Charles's condition. LYNN IS HOME AT LAST For the first time in her young life Lynn is safe and happy. Bruce tells her he is now her legal guardian, and she cries with happiness. She is truly home. Ben is becoming impatient with Betsy. He wants to stop this cat and mouse game she seems to be playing. She gives him a present and asks him to stay for a bite to eat. She is hurt by his refusal, but unable to give him an answer to his invitation to Meg's party. She is afraid to commit herself. Carrie is elated when Arlene admits that she is falling in love with Tom. He is just the kind of man she has always wanted for Arlene. Arlene is overjoyed when Tom suggests they got to Meg's party, but then the bugaboo of what to wear beings to work and she goes to Rosehill's most exclusive store to find something smashing and affordable. It seems hopeless until Ian comes sauntering in, feigning surprise to see her. He secretly arranges for her to have a designer original. He knows Arlene much better than perhaps even her mother. And he is a man who is relentless in his pursuit of what he wants. Will he succeed? Ian is also determined to get controlling interest in Beaver Ridge - for his gambling operation. He plans to let Rick sweat out the money angle, then do a deal - a trade of shares for cash. Meg is happy to hear that Rick plans to buy Cal the Mill House that she wants, even though he needs so much money for Beaver Ridge. She sets a chance to drive a wedge between them and she presses her advantage by pointing out to Rick that Cal is spoiled, with a childish, romantic idea of "poor." He will not admit it - least of all to Meg - but he is worried. HOMECOMING Charles is released from the hospital in time for Christmas. He is very happy, thinking Felicia is now truly home. Felicia does her best to pretend happiness, but her heart is heavy and broken. Eddie is saddened, remembering the idyllic happiness he shared, so very briefly, with Felicia. Charles continues to press Felicia for more information about her stay in Danvers. He is like a dog worrying a bone, he cannot let it go. Felicia continues to equivocate, letting him think she was with her Aunt Mavis, but very soon she may have to divulge her guilty secret. Johnny has decided to remain with the Sterlings, and Charles wonders, now if Felicia kept in touch with the boy in her absence. More damning evidence may soon come to light...Felicia has been unwell lately. Van suspects what is wrong, and Felicia is faced with yet another problem. If she is pregnant, how can she explain that to Charles? Meg's party plants seeds of both great joy and great heartache. For Ben and Betsy, it is a new beginning. They dance, they laugh, they kiss. She will even go away with him for a skiing weekend. It is a different story for Arlene, thanks to Ian, who has put his plan to "acquire" Arleen into full gear. Tom has a devastating conversation, alone, with Ian. Ian says Arlene is merely playing with Tom. There are ladies and ladies, says this smooth manipulator, and Arlene is one of the latter, whose acquaintance he made, for a price, at a Key Club run by Ray Slater, a "Front man" for many activities. SICK AT HEART Tom is sickened by these disclosures, and he cannot make himself confront Arlene, so he coldly drives her home and never calls. Knowing that something is wrong, but not what, Arlene decides to call him and remind him that he was the one who wanted them to level with each other always. The complications mount when he decides to go see her, for Ray Slater has just dropped by to see Arlene, too. Tom's face turns to stone and he leaves, accepting Ray's presence as proof positive of Ian's assessment of the girl he loves. Rick is suspicious of Ian's offer of a trade, money for controlling interest of Beaver Ridge. He declines, but what will he do? Cal's unhappiness grows. She feels she doesn't know Rick nearly as well as she thought she did, and the idea that Meg might understand him better makes her very uneasy. She has been thoroughly confused by Meg's counsel of how to deal with Rick, how to tread lightly about money because of his pride. Cal is even afraid to tell him she wants to have a baby.

Oh and which characters were written out in November 1978?