JamesF

I am so so grateful to the uploader for continuing on. I've already mentioned in this thread that when B&B aired in the UK, they did a time jump from 1997 to 1999. The Friday episode was Sheila turning up on Maggie's doorstep to "get my baby back" and the Monday we jumped forward to Rick and Amber's first wedding. As Sheila was my favourite character and I had some knowledge of her exit storyline, that was incredibly frustrating. So I've never seen 1998 at all and it's never been very well represented online coincidentally - getting to see this for the first time is an absolute thrill. That said... something is clearly going on behind the scenes with Bradley because post Lake Como the show goes absolutely batshit ridiculous. Killer twins and plane crashes in Greenland, the completely bizarre Psycho house kidnapping, Maggie being trashed - also interesting that for once there almost seem to be too many character groups and stories going on. Obviously later in 1998, things reset quite significantly with Sheila and Grant gone and Amber taking the greatest prominence. It's interesting to see it play out.

And from me too, what an amazing surprise! In the UK, B&B skipped from late 1997 to mid-1999 so I've never seen that stretch and it's very rare to find anything online beyond the odd clip. I'm so appreciative getting to watch more, thank you. 😄

For my ills, this is why one day I hope I get to watch the era through because I remember reading about some absolutely wild shifts like Linda Dano, Rappaports, Ben Davidson, Skye and I'm super curious. Incidentally, I did my time with GH around 2004-5 and that was quite enough for me. So that's why Becky Lee turned up for the inconsequential few months she was on?! Having not seen the 80s, she presented as a strangely Wario version of Nora (same hair but brassy and basic) and I had no idea why she was brought in. Another era I hope to visit. I've read snippets of the Victor Lord story and insane sounds right but I am morbidly curious. The character/Howarth is inherently watchable to me but the tipping point is probably the overlap of Marty leaving and Viki being his protective sister. It's a really unpleasant shift. Then we get him holding Viki at knife point at the cabin which feels even more fractured. Your comments are also making me consider my thoughts on Rachel. The recast situation had the same vibe of what I felt with Sheila in being a watered down version (and I hated the victim narrative that went on and on and on in different stories). Having only seen a year of JFP, I couldn't agree more. And I'm not somebody who has a beef with her for ruining one of "my shows". The shift is stark.

I really appreciate getting a take from fans who watched this at the time. I knew from hanging round here over the years that Georgie was a Fatal Attraction/murder mystery so I was expecting it to pep things up for me. Some of it did I guess but I got that distinct JFP vibe that I remember from dipping into GH in the 00s. I seem to recall Todd referring to her as the "family blow up doll" and on the one hand I was amused but then it kind of sums up how the female characters were starting to be written... As for HBS, the most humbling part of the rewatch was realising during her perimenopause story that she was essentially my current age... such is the cognitive dissonance of watching the 1990s with teenage me in the back of my mind. Yes, that's a really good way of putting it. It didn't feel particularly exploitative to me, just very very over blown after the more nuanced (to me) style of 1994 Viki/Dorian. I googled after the first... "recital" by TK and fell down a 30 minute rabbit hole of middle aged women posting about their reactions to it. Eye opening.

I've just finished my first journey to Llanview after hankering for some classic soap to get stuck into. I started from New Year's Eve 1992 and have just finished with January 1999 where episodes on You know where have stopped. I chose the jumping off point as I knew of the Linda Gottlieb shake up, Malone/Griffith bringing a different tone to the show and frankly, it felt like it would offer up my kind of soap. The initial two years was just brilliant stuff and pushed the envelope hugely for 1990s daytime (and indeed is unapologetically socially progressive in a way that wouldn't land easily today...). As I expected, the quality took a directly downward trend up to the start of 1999 but there was something even then that kept me coming back. The good Probably not too surprisingly, the Dorian/Viki story from Lord of the Banner, on through the murder trial, the Joey affair, the start of the alters. Erika Slezak has that Susan Flannery quality of being mesmerising and genuinely scary when she does anger. The scenes of Viki/Dorian going at it in the crypt are now among my favourites of soap history. Marty's rape. I can't see any show now doing this initial story with the level of frank brutality. The animosity between Todd/Marty months afterwards was uncomfortable but compelling with both Howard and Haskell giving really great performances. Nora (until 1998 or so). Such a total breath of fresh air. HBS felt like she was made for the role and I loved how fully formed the character was with her foibles, ambition, ethics, family dynamics (both Hanen and Gannon) etc. It was sad to watch her gradually become such a neurotic, generic soap stereotype and I think probably felt the shift from Pam Long's arrival. The Georgie murder into Rappaport arrivals painted her as, frankly, really clingy and pretty [!@#$%^&*] dumb. Flashes of OG Nora remained but not nearly enough. The Gannons. Another breath of fresh air on soap and the reality of what it meant for Nora/Hank to be married in the 1970s and how Rachel reacted to her upbringing was very well written. I also thought Valerie Pettiford was streets ahead of her replacement as Sheila. The character brought something grounding to the show but while Nora became annoying, Sheila just seemed to dilute down into irrelevance. Maybe controversially but Mia Korf was far preferable to me as Blair than KDP. I bought her as the survivor and a vixen who had sex with Max on her wedding dress before marrying Asa. KDP...I dunno...the period I've seen of her I find her too much. I can tell she's a talented actress but Blair leaves me cold. Kevin/Joey. Recasts abounded through the 1990s but Nathan Fillion brought a magnetism and star quality to Joey. His chemistry with Kevin Stapleton as Kevin was goofy fun. There was a really fun scene of them together after Kevin had been stabbed and it brought a lightness to things that soon disappeared (not least with the next dual recast...) Drew - the Victor Browne version. I don't know what went wrong here. I thought the first iteration of the character was intriguing, sexy and clearly had great history to draw on. Then he got turned into an out and out villain, booted out and replaced with an inferior actor and another personality transplant. A waste. The bad There was some great writing and performances in Viki's DID storyline. But it went too far and was just dragged out too long. Elements being played for laughs, Viki's family idiotically missing some fairly obvious signs and Dorian goading the alters...not for me. Carlo/Alex - I didn't get it and I don't get Alex. It often felt like she/they were part of a different show that was spliced in with OLTL. Tonja Walker could do camp and had some fun lines (there was some funny sparring between her and Renee over a portrait going up at The Palace) but it felt way too broad for an otherwise sophisticated show. The Mortimer story was particularly wtf. The aftermath of the rape. Todd...I don't know what to say here. The character was watchable for me throughout but the evolution into main character, Lord brother, sought after damaged soul, abuse victim... it felt contrived and manipulative. Equally the bizarre twist of Powell Lord becoming a serial rapist in response to his own guilt. Patrick. I could barely watch him and can't believe that was how Marty evolved. The dreadful accent, typical stereotypes of Ireland being some misty backwater, Men of 21 nonsense. Hated all of it. Armitage family - this was a shame as Maggie starts to have some traction toward the end of the run but they were a strange bunch of characters and it was not an interesting story. Cord, to me, was absolutely wasted throughout the period. I know he was a central part of the show's success in the 1980s and enjoyed what I saw of him but he really came off as a loser. It felt like a waste of the actor. Andy. This was Patrick level stuff for me. What a boring, simpering, wet lettuce of a character. I only broadly tracked where stories fell in the shift of writers but 1995 felt like Griffith/Malone were running out of ideas and in 1996 after they had gone, everything became dumbed down. For example, Andrew was written as a boring nag to facilitate Cassie's attraction to Kevin instead of this being a well crafted story (I have nothing against the concept but it was badly written). Dorian becomes a clown. Maybe Strasser liked leaning into that side of Dorian, I don't know, but either way the writing left little choice. Labine stuff just doesn't hit the mark. The Cramer women history was too derivative of Viki's parental drama. If Lord of the Banner was HBO, this was Lifetime. It also started the shift towards darkness with Georgie that just then takes over the whole show with Barbara, Drew's death and Cassie going off the deep end. Not to mention the ridiculous Nora/Sam story. Leaving Llanview in January 1999, it seems a very depressing and mean spirited place compared to my entry point in 1993. Bo propping his son's corpse up in bed while Nora wails behind the locked door and Todd uses it as a comedy headline. Bizarre. I'm now moving on to some GL but if 1999 onwards is available and I'm just being dim, please drop me a PM! Quality descent aside, the show hooked me in.

This has reminded me of recently watching 1995 B&B episodes where Gladys told Sally that she was Taylor Forrester's make up lady. Sally, still believing Taylor to be dead said something like "she'd be needing a hell of a lot of make up at this point." There was something so spot on about Darlene's delivery, it made me laugh out loud. A real gem.

Thank you both, I've just taken the time to sit down and read through the Series 1 summaries. It's given me enough curiosity to watch again I think! It's also made me ponder Jessica Rattigan as a sort of Stephanie Forrester type character - so much of the story revolves around her reacting to things. I'll look forward to reading the Series 2 summaries shortly, thanks so much for finding all of this!

Ah, that makes more sense! I'm really intrigued by the Charlie stuff now too given I just don't remember it. It does fit the character. I don't recall the Mary/Jessica thing but perhaps I was just young and naive! My hazy memory is that Joan and Mary were attracted to each other... I saw sad news that Network had wrapped up operations this past week quite suddenly. It really was the only source for some of these obscure older shows so it's such a shame. Given Families was only rerun in the late 90s, I'm surprised so little exists of it online too.

I think it most likely was me! But you've a far better memory because you've filled in so many details I'd forgotten so thank you! I think everything you've written is bang on the money, the only exception being Charlie which I just don't recall. It would feel on brand for the series though. Yep Ruth was embezzling and I think Lenny was having an affair with her husband's brother or somesuch. This is a great read although I share your assessment. It sounds as though Sue was busy doing a lot of hand wringing and on paper, the Mike/Diana reconnection sounds little more than an embarrassing mid-life crisis. If you compare the pace of this to the first month of Sons and Daughters which loosely had a similar premise, that packed far more of a punch. It's such a shame the series isn't easily available. Like Revelations and Springhill, it was helmed by writers who broke through into some level of public consciousness here (Kay Mellor, Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright, Paul Abbott) and there would be a niche audience for it if ITV put it up on their streaming service.

It has been at least 20 years since I saw any of season 2 but you're triggering memories and I'm trying to patch it all together... I seem to recall Edward had a heart attack and died while Gabriel was possibly in rehab or a mental hospital? I also think that Jessica buried Rachel on the estate with the help of the housekeeper Mary. I do vividly recall the murder being shocking - she pretended to reach an emotional truce with Rachel, opened her arms to hug her and then injected her with an air bubble. It's shame the show was so under the radar because Judy Loe was great in the role. Thanks so much for the Families findings too - I'll definitely watch!

I attended the Neighbours Celebration tour this evening with Jackie, Alan, Ryan, Annie, Stefan and April. It was absolutely surreal sitting in a full theatre, surrounded by fans of the show, when it's something I watched as a daily habit for over 30 years but rarely discussed outside of a couple of friends. The Freevee deal was naturally mentioned quite a few times and the cast were visibly very deeply touched by both the tour reaction and the reboot. It was a beautiful, warm show with a bunch of people who clearly adore working with each other. Really hope the Freevee move comes off for the show and also others that may follow the same path in the next few years.

This is my suspicion too, it makes sense putting up the last decade in full (though realistically most people won't get through it before the new season launches). There also seems to be a hint that another 50 iconic episodes will go up each month - there were various extra episodes listed across UK/Australia which quickly came down once spotted. I'm a lifelong fan but working through the iconic eps (just up to 1987 and Helen falling in love with her daughter's husband which I completely forget about) - it's so good to see them in such high quality. I think it's a pretty well curated selection over all.

Have to agree with pretty much everything you've said on 1994 (I'm just up to Brooke and Ridge's wedding so slightly further ahead). On the one hand, the period holds some affection for me because it's the era that Channel 5 started from in the UK and when I was first able to watch. The channel launched in March 1997 with lots of publicity for Sunset Beach on the daytime schedule but not quite as much for B&B which I was far more interested in. I'd been able to get my 12 year-old hands on some Aussie soap mags for a couple of years so had a fairly good grasp of the characters and where stories would lead but lots of gaps in between. I recall a 30 minute catch up episode to get new viewers up to speed (would love to see that appear on YouTube one day) and then straight into 1994 the next day. Rewatching these eps, I can't pinpoint which episode but I do know it was the run up to the wedding, Sheila was seducing Connor and Taylor was just getting her memory back. Watching as an adult and with the 1987-1994 eps under my belt, I can't say it's a hugely engrossing period although seems to be picking up around the wedding. The Princess Laila storyline is even more contrived than I remember - it's not a well laid out plot at all and plays up to the worst perceptions people have about soaps. Sidenote about the wedding: I'm sure at least half of it is done with green screen which I absolutely did not notice when I watched on a 14" TV back then. Sheila is an interesting one in this period. Objectively, the way in which Eric/Stephanie treat her through 1994 really is despicable. She also seems to have lost her sinister edge (temporarily) and is being played far more as a sort of Aaron Spelling show trophy wife, smiling and schmoozing the family while seducing the lawyer to get pregnant. It's a watchable shift but in true Brad Bell style, relies on Connor losing any sense of character to fit the story. If our hugely generous uploaders continue, I'll be fascinated watching on from this point and seeing how my take on things has changed.

I just finished having watched over two nights and I absolutely loved it. The creator Abby Ajayi mentioned in an interview having been brought up watching the 80s soaps with her aunties but it's also like a modern Judith Krantz novel/mini-series with a dash of the best Shondaland storytelling thrown in. The characterisation is great and Deborah Ayorinde is an absolute revelation as Nina. She owns every single scene she is in. And the story itself is loaded with soap staples but feels fresh and compulsively watchable. One of the finale cliffhangers actually made me gasp even though it's such a cliche of the genre. I really hope this gets renewed next year.

I'm up to date with the vault episodes and have also been feeling a lot of "meh" about 1994, though Kimberlin Brown has literally just returned from maternity leave and Taylor is preparing for her trip... When B&B started over here in 1997, the episodes were from mid-point in 1994. I was only 12 so don't remember exactly what point it was picked up but I do remember Morocco being in full swing and the Ridge/Brooke wedding occurring fairly early on. It's going to be a blast to (hopefully!) rewatch the very first era of B&B I ever saw and see how it holds up. I distinctly remember the Sheila/Connor story and having watched up to this point, have no idea how the show gets to that pairing!

As a lifelong fan, I completely agree. I'm still formulating my thoughts on how I feel in more detail but I had exactly the same reaction. I know that the last few weeks, including the finale, are getting the usual mix of reactions - it's impossible to service every single thing that all fans would want to see. But it was a warm, beautiful, heartfelt send off. Guy Pearce was incredibly natural and his scenes with Annie Jones were just stunning as Mike slowly made Jane realise that she could have happiness in her future. And Jackie Woodburne broke my heart but left me smiling all at the same time. So many shows have gone out with barely a shred of pride left but this was the most dignified soap ending I think I've ever seen.

I'm so bowled over by this - even more than Kylie and Jason I think because it was more obvious that they might be charmed back to contribute. It says a lot for Jason Herbison that there is such confidence and dignity in the way Neighbours is wrapping up. I'll be devastated to see it go but this is not the home stretch of a show that's been lingering on borrowed time, shedding viewers and gathering cynicism. For that I'll always be grateful.

Thank you as ever! I caught up over the weekend and there was a standout scene to me from (I think) 1522 which really put the spotlight on how different the show is today. Sheila went to visit Taylor to ask her to throw a party for her and Eric's upcoming wedding. Taylor balked at the idea and accused Sheila of manipulation without missing a beat. Sheila meanwhile defended her request very assertively but rationally; adamant she's been mistreated by Stephanie and wants Taylor to be a neutral peace keeper. There was no Taylor being an idiot pushover or Sheila twirling a moustache afterwards. It was just a fascinating scene between two strong characters who haven't been each other's orbit but with two really clear points of view. It's night and day comparing that to 2022's Sheila turning up at Taylor's office with half arsed bitchy comments about Brooke that Taylor barely bats an eyelid at. And it's all writing, not budget. It's literally two characters on a set, talking but it's hugely compelling. I would kill to see that level of thought today.

You've articulated how I feel perfectly and if this does play out as Friday suggests, I'm so disappointed by it. It really didn't need to be inevitable that Sheila would turn to gun toting again, especially over the lame bottle switching. Who gives a [!@#$%^&*]. The Sheila of the 1990s would wriggle out of that in the space of an episode, not shoot up the place.

Heartfelt thanks from me too. After a crappy week I'd designated today to barely leave the sofa so when I saw new uploads, it was perfect for what I had planned. Absolutely loved bingeing through Christmas and Bridget's arrival. I am sure it is time consuming so please know your effort is massively appreciated.

I think bottom left is Whip and Taylor. I sort of recognise Thorne now it's been stated but it's not exactly flattering. Thought Massimo had ended up on there...

Thank you for your recent uploads which I'm watching and thoroughly enjoying as I write this! I'd completely forgotten we ended on a cliffhanger with Stephanie/Sheila/Molly. I'm sure comments about some peoples' preferences weren't intended to come across as they have so please be assured many are grateful to you too as well as @rsclassicfanforever. It's easy to forget that many of us have waited decades to see these episodes at all regardless of technicalities.

I watched the most recent 1992 uploads last night (thank you again, as always for those who make it happen!). I was really struck by the reset of relationship between Stephanie and Sheila which of course put them on the collision course that lasted years. Flannery had definitely played some reserved wariness of Sheila when she was using her to get Brooke out of LA but then in one episode, quite abruptly turns up at the infirmary, essentially tells Sheila she doesn't trust her and starts to poison Eric's ear. I wonder if that was always planned or Bell saw something in the interactions and realised that Brown/Flannery would be much more interesting enemies than just co-conspirators.

This recent batch of episodes from 1992 marks a real repositioning of stories and the canvas and I wondered if it was acknowledged as a revamp of sorts at the time? The long game and absolutely delicious irony of where Brooke/Stephanie's machinations get them with their men after 5 years (i.e. out on their arses) is just genius and I wouldn't be surprised if there was some sort of Bill Bell plan to that aspect of the story. It truly feels like it's moving into a new chapter. Stephanie's turning on Brooke at the wedding is the punctuation point. However amongst them, a lot else is changing. To be honest, the show from late 1991 to this point did feel like it was spinning its wheels. Clarke/Sally, Margo/Bill, Jake/Thorne/Macy/Felicia - there were great moments but it was surprisingly slow and repetitive and I think the exits of some of those players was needed. The Karen/Blake story is also just very weird and smells of a half baked idea that just didn't translate from page to screen. (As an aside, I only ever knew Macy from 1995 onwards but watching her evolution, she is such an oddball character. She also has this remarkably dated look to her that the other females don't, like she's stuck in 1989). Anyway, I noted from ep 1290 onwards, there's all this sudden energy. Sheila adds immediate spice, Sly and Zack, Kristen's return, the stunt of Felicia running Zack down. It's a definitely, positive shift.

When B&B started airing in the UK on a channel I was able to watch, it started from mid-1994. Over those mid 90s years, I remember one occasion where Macy and Brooke interacted (possibly Macy inviting Brooke to her wedding to Thorne) and being surprised that they were so friendly with each other as they had never spoken onscreen up to that point. Equally, I had no idea back then of the backstage drama with Kimberlin Brown and Hunter Tylo but I was always curious as to why Sheila/Taylor had no interaction whatsoever (or rarely even discussed one another). I now know the reasons and that there was some interaction during the BeLieF storyline but not again until 2002. I don't remember one single scene, group or otherwise, that they shared from 1994 onwards.