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Written by Steven Moffat REGULAR CAST: Lynda Day Julia Sawalha, James "Spike" Thomson II Dexter Fletcher, Kenny Philips Lee Ross [not 6], Sarah Jackson Kelda Holmes [not 6], Colin Mathews Paul Reynolds, Frazer "Frazz" Davis Mmoloki Chystie [not 6], Sam Black Gabrielle Anwar [not 6,11], Toni "Tiddler" Tildesley Joanna Dukes [1-4,7-13]. RECURRING CHARACTERS: Mr Sullivan Nick Stringer [1-4,6,8,13], Chrissie Stuart Angela Bruce [1,5,7,9], Sophie Jenkins Rosie Marcel [1,4,6,9,12,13], Laura Wilmot Claire Hearnden [1,4,6,9,12,13], Lynda's Mother Penelope Nice [3,7,9,11,12], Matt Kerr Clive Wood [5,6,13], Billy Homer Andy Crowe [8-11], Kevin Jeremy Hodge [2,3,7-11] (credited as a news team member for 2,3,11), Kate Sophie Newton [2-5,9,11,13] (credited as a news team member for all except 9). THE NEWS TEAM (as credited): Adriano Agostino [2-5,11,13], Casey Anderson [3,13], Tony Annis [2], Mark Baxter [2-5,11,13], Peter Cunningham [13], Simon Davidson [3-5,13], Rafaello Degruttola [4,11,13], Linda Frith [13], Michelle Gayle [2,3], Rebecca Hamilton [2-5,11], Anna Kipling [2-5,11,13], Dominic Kipling [4,5,11,13], Mitchell Knight [3,5,11,13], Peter Laxton [2,3,5,13], Kevin Mathurst [2], Sonya May [2-5,11,13], Corinna Reardon [5], Ryan Romain [3,5,11,13], Matthew Rose [2], Bonnie Sullivan [4], Darren Traynor [11], Joanne Varney [13], Linda Wells [3-4,11,13]
Directed by Bob Spiers When it is revealed that Wellside Community Centre is actually closing the team must scrap an issue of the Junior Gazette concerning how they saved it. Lynda decides to produce a whole new issue overnight despite overwhelming opposition from parents and teachers. Several questions must also be asked. Why was the paper mislead? And what is in the large box that Colin has brought to the newsroom? GUEST CAST: Charlotte Rendell Siri Neal (the character's surname is revealed in Love and the Junior Gazette), Councillor Peter Mayhew Raymond Sawyer.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Spike and Lynda.
NOTES: The season opens with a pre-credits sequence ("Here we go again!") and brings
about some changes. It was originally intended that Julie's part would be greater this
season; however Lucy Benjamin left the show and her role was effectively given over
to a new character, Sam, Julie's replacement as head of the graphics team. Sam
was played by Gabrielle Anwar, who had auditioned for the part of Lynda.
The newsroom has also changed for the new season. For series one it was actually filmed
on location (inside the building that served as its exterior). However, the building
was due to be demolished (which is why the exterior is never seen after series two)
so the newsroom was re-created at Pinewood.
This episode almost features Spike and Lynda's first kiss, although they are
interrupted by Kenny at the crucial moment. This scene was filmed later when the
episode was under-running (this can be seen by Julia Sawalha's hair being shorter for this
one scene).
TRIVIA: Sam has only been working for the Junior Gazette for two weeks. We learn
the star signs of some of the characters: Kenny is Aries, Lynda is Virgo, Tiddler is
Sagittarius and Mr Sullivan is Libra. Frazz is also said to be a Libra, but he claimed
to be Scorpio in Page One (perhaps his birthday is close to the split between
the two and he gets confused!).
CONTINUITY: There are references to the time that they team put together an issue of the
Junior Gazette in only three hours (Deadline) and Spike describes to Charlotte how
he broke the paper's first lead story (Page One/Photo Finish).
Lynda also hears about the closure on Wellside on Radio Sherrington, the station which the
Phone Ranger worked for in Both Sides of the Paper.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Sam: "For every hour I work past 1 o'clock I want an hour off next week, okay?"
Lynda: "Catching up on your sleep I expect." Sam: "Absolutely. I put a lot
of work into this face. I don't want it getting creased." Lynda: "Why not, it might
give you some character." Sam: "Well you've got enough character for both our
faces." Lynda: "Both of ours or just both of yours?"
Directed by Gerry O'Hara Colin turns his attention on Suzy Norton, a brilliant schoolgirl chessplayer, with a plan making use of an unwitting Frazz. Meanwhile, it appears that Spike is in danger of returning to his old ways when he beats up a sixth former who wrote something on a common room wall. GUEST CAST: Suzy Norton Abigail Docherty, Kenny’s Mother (Lynne Philips) Janet Allen, Librarian Tessa Shaw, Car Owner Andre Thornton Grimes.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Frazz, Spike and Lynda.
CONTINUITY: Lynda mentions the incident with her and Spike almost kissing from
the previous episode.
Jenny Eliot is mentioned when she dumps Kenny.
Mr Sullivan appears to be driving the same car that he
did in Deadline.
TRIVIA: The telephone number of CM Enterprises is Norbridge 53279.
CHOICE QUOTES: Lynda: "I can't imagine you sending love letters." Kenny: "I can't
imagine you getting any."
Directed by Bren Simson A grotesque wooden figure brings back memories for Lynda of the events of Kenny's birthday ten years previously. Meanwhile, Ruby Grogan has a crush on Spike, much to the disgust of Colin who is interested in her. GUEST CAST: Young Lynda Kate Williams, Young Kenny Simon Bright, Ruby Grogan Julie Foy, First Street Boy Steven Szczebiot, Second Street Boy Neil Ketternhorn, Mrs Williams Rose Hill.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Kenny and Lynda.
NOTES: The episode title is in large childish lettering. The episode features some lovely
direction in switching between the two time zones, particularly the jump between the
two Lyndas at the start of the episode and the "He's always following me" sequence
CONTINUITY: The episode builds on Kenny and Lynda's long friendship as established
in How To Make A Killing.Jenny Eliot is mentioned again and Spike refers to Ruby
Grogan as Ethel Stuttgart 2, referring to the girl fancied by Colin in Monday - Tuesday.
Lynda has a framed copy of the first edition of the Junior Gazette (from Photo Finish)
on her bedroom wall.
TRIVIA: When children Kenny and Lynda used to ring people's doorbells and run away -
well, Lynda used to run away whilst Kenny stayed and apologised! Lynda is 16 years old.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Kenny: "Graphic Department spending proposals. An HB pencil and a sunbed?" Sam: "Well,
I can explain the pencil."
Directed by Bren Simson It's a typical week in the life of the Junior Gazette. Spike and Tiddler have got to interview a local children's author, Sam wants to fire a member of her newsteam and Colin is looking for something with which to blackmail Lynda. GUEST CAST: Claire Pearson Fay Masterson, Virginia Hume Barbara Hicks, Yvonne Morley Louisa Haigh.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Colin and Frazz.
NOTES: This episode features Spike and Lynda's first kiss, although it is initiated
by Lynda in order to spoil Spike's latest relationship.
CONTINUITY: Kenny mentions that he has "hidden depths". These would be revealed later
in the series in Rock Solid.
TRIVIA: The Junior Gazette is published on a Wednesday (this is a change from the
first series when it was a Tuesday according to Photo Finish).
CHOICE QUOTES: Lynda: "I'm telling you Kenny, Spike has absolutely no effect on me
whatsoever." Spike: "Hey Lynda, is it okay if I borrow your pencil?" Lynda: "Will
you stop making stupid suggestive remarks!"
Directed by Bob Spiers Lynda needs to take someone to an important cocktail party at the home of the owner of the Junior Gazette and the rest of the newsteam seem to have decided who is going with her. Meanwhile, Kenny is enjoying a blossoming relationship as the results of a wrong number and Sarah has a dilemma when she starts dating an actor. GUEST CAST: Dublin Girl Aisling Flitton, Raymond Adams Atlay Lawrence, Shop Assistant Sarah Collins.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Kenny and Sarah.
NOTES: This episode ends with a caption: NEXT WEEK THE DATE. The character of the Dublin
girl, played by Aisling Flitton, would return in Chance Is A Fine Thing during the
following season. The character is then named as Kelly.
CONTINUITY: Kenny tells the Dublin girl about the events of How to Make a Killing
(which is dated as being about three months earlier). Spike mentions Lynda dying
Charlotte's hair twelve different colours in Breakfast At Czar's (revealing her
surname). Lynda mentions Spike beating up Barry Crowther from Picking Up the Pieces.
TRIVIA: The Junior Gazette (as well as the Norbridge Gazette) is owned by Mr Campbell
CHOICE QUOTES:
Lynda: "Please." Kenny: "I can't." Lynda: "It’s only a cocktail party." Kenny:
"I'm visiting my aunt in Sherrington." Lynda: "Of course - your dear old aunt in
Sherrington. What is it this time? Ill? Dead? Tell me, how do you justify being off work at
her funeral on no less than eight separate occasions?" Kenny: "She is my aunt!"
Lynda: "Kenny - this woman has died eight times!" Kenny: "How do you think I feel?"
Directed by Bob Spiers Lynda is nervous about attending the cocktail party, since she will be meeting lots of very important people and it may be the launchpad for her career. Also at the party is a very familiar looking Arab... GUEST CAST: Robert Mayer John Ronane, Mr Adams Nick Burnell, Cameron Campbell Peter Burton, Mrs Campbell Kate Greenaway.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: None (and the end credits use a more up-beat version of the theme tune).
NOTES: The episode opens with a sequence including clips of Spike and Lynda’s first meeting
from Page One, partly to explain the very clever title. Julia Sawalha, Dexter Fletcher
and Paul Reynolds are the only regulars to appear but Lee Ross is in these flashbacks.
This is also the only episode to have no scenes set in the newsroom (with the exception of the
flashbacks).
CONTINUITY: Julie is mentioned.
TRIVIA: Mr Campbell first name is Cameron (later references to the character would
change this to David). Lynda has two pet goldfish, one of which is called Sullivan. At the start
of the episode she is reading "The Catcher In The Rye".
CHOICE QUOTES:
"I don't do conversation. Anything I say comes out like an order. I say hello and
people salute.” (Lynda).
Directed by Bob Spiers While Lynda tries to keep her relationship with Spike a secret, Colin has gained an admirer in the shape of an 11 year old girl called Cindy. Colin has a feeling that she is trying to tell him something, and he has a nasty suspicion what it is... GUEST CAST: Benjamin Drexil Gian Sammarco, Malcolm Bullivant Sean Gascoine, Cindy Watkins Natasha Knight, Czar Arthur Whybrow, Mr Watkins James Curran.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: None; the credits are accompanied by more serious sounding music
than usual.
NOTES: This is the first episode of a two part story, again tackling a difficult subject,
although still with plenty of comic relief in the shape of the Benjamin Drexil
and Malcolm Bullivant characters. Sean Gascoine's name is mis-spelt Gascoigne in the
end credits.
CONTINUITY: The episode takes place four days after Mr Campbell's party.
Cindy mentions Colin’s mistake in going to Warner Eddison’s funeral in a
pink rabbit costume (A Night In) and his exploitation of the pings as seen in
One Easy Lesson. Some pings can even be seen in Colin’s office. Czar, first
seen in Photo Finish, reappears, although now played by a different actor.
TRIVIA: Colin takes four sugars in his coffee, although he tells everyone that it
is only three.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Colin: "Height?" Benjamin: "Four foot two - not including my head."
Directed by Bob Spiers Colin suspects that Cindy is being abused by her father, but his attempts to help are hampered by everyone believing he is just involved in another of his schemes. However, help comes from an unexpected direction... GUEST CAST: Cindy Watkins Natasha Knight, Miss McGuigan Hilda Braid, Colin’s Mother Janet Legge, Teacher Sam Howard.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Colin and Cindy (the only time a guest character is involved).
NOTES: This episode was a ground breaking piece of television, being one of the first
"children's" programmes to deal with the subject of child abuse. The NSPCC are thanked
on the end credits for their collaboration, presumably with the aim that the episode could
have the same effect as the special edition of the Junior Gazette. Both parts of this story,
particularly this second episode, give probably the most sympathetic portrayal of Colin,
in contrast to episodes like Shouldn't I Be Taller? and The Week and Pizza
where he is virtually the villain of the piece.
CONTINUITY: Sam Howard played a teacher, then named as Mr Harvey, in Both Sides Of Yhe
Paper. Cindy again talks about Colin's pink rabbit escapades, virtually describing
the whole event, and Lynda refers to the time when Colin became editor of the Junior
Gazette (Shouldn't I Be Taller?). In Colin's office there is a poster for the stress
relief suckers that Colin was trying to sell in The Week and Pizza.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Colin: "Why does no-one ever take me seriously?" Mr Sullivan: "Colin, don't forget
your lizard net."
Directed by John Hall Jason Wood, a pop star renowned for his dislike of journalists, is stuck at Norbridge station. Sarah is the only person suitable to undertake an interview. However, she has just resigned from the Junior Gazette... GUEST CAST: Jason Wood Graham "Suggs" McPherson, Station Master Dutton Jim McManus.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Sarah and Lynda.
NOTES: Graham McPherson, best known as Suggs from Madness, appears as Jason Wood.
There is great attention to detail in creating the character of Wood, with posters for
his tour and album (simply called "Jason Wood - The Album") seen at the station.
Sophie Newton is credited as Kate for the first time. She appears
regularly, both credited and uncredited, as a member of the newsteam in many episodes
but her character had been named as early as Both Sides Of The Paper.
CONTINUITY: Sarah's inability to cope with exams (the basis of Both Sides Of The Paper)
is mentioned (apparently now cured thanks to the Junior Gazette), as is her problem with
her review of "An Inspector Calls" from Love and the Junior Gazette. Julie
is also mentioned again; she left the Junior Gazette two months previously.
TRIVIA: During this episode we learn a little about the beginning of the Junior Gazette.
It has been running for nine months and right at the start Sarah was on the shortlist for
editor but failed the interview. Lynda's nickname in the
newsroom is Vampira - and she actually likes it when she finds out!
During the episode Colin, Sophie and Laura are wearing turtle-like space monster costumes
for no explained reason!
This episode also allows us to date the events of the series. It is mentioned that
Jason Wood was playing a concert in London the previous evening. The poster for Wood's
concert tour seen at the station gives the date of this concert (at the London Dominion) on
Tuesday 2nd May, meaning that the episode takes place on Wednesday 3rd May. Now these days
correspond to 1989, when the series would have been in production. This also means that the
Junior Gazette started in September 1988.
CHOICE QUOTES: Tiddler: "Why does anyone always ignore me?" Spike: "Who said that?"
Directed by Bob Spiers The team learn that there has been an explosion at a local record shop and immediately mobilise to cover this important story. However, the scale of the disaster soon starts to hit home, especially when Lynda learns that Spike is missing... GUEST CAST: Voice of Mary Brien Abigail Docherty, Man in Phone Box Colin Alldridge, Boy at Party Jake Wood, Mrs Boyd Carole Dance, TV Reporter John Peters.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: None; the sombre end theme is used again.
NOTES: This is probably a unique episode with the natural humour of the programme totally
dominated by the heavy drama generated by Spike’s brief relationship with the dying
Mary Brien. Abigail Docherty, who supplies the voice of Mary Brien, appeared earlier
in the season as Suzy Norton in Picking Up the Pieces.
CHOICE QUOTES: Kenny: "I'm not going to let you go to pieces while there is nothing to
go to pieces about." Lynda: "So what are you saying, I should go in there and
edit a newspaper?" Kenny: "Put it this way, what would Spike want you to do?"
Lynda: "The usual. Wear tighter clothes and show more cleavage."
Directed by Lorne Magory A feud develops between Spike and Lynda leading to them competing in a reporting contest. Spike appears to be his usual cheerful self, but it soon becomes clear that he has been deeply affected by his experiences after the explosion - with consequences for his relationship with Lynda... GUEST CAST: Beth Davenport Janie Booth, Waitress Maria McErlane, Secretary Jackie Bucknall, Roderick Marsh Robert McBain.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: None; sombre end theme again.
NOTES: After such a dramatic episode things return to normal here with the humorous NV
Gillespie subplot combining with the effects of the explosion on Spike and the end of
his relationship with Lynda after just six episodes. The start of the end credits come up
over the last shot of the episode, instead of various stills from the episode as usual.
Gabrielle Anwar does not appear (Sam is on holiday in Scotland), although she is heard
laughing on the other end of a telephone.
CONTINUITY: The episode is dated as taking place two weeks after The Rest of My Life.
Maria McErlane had previously played a waitress at Czar's (then named as Maria) in
How To Make a Killing.
TRIVIA: This episode reveals that Colin has a back door to the newsroom, something
which would be used frequently in the future. Here it is operated by moving a model
of the leaning tower of Pisa.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Lynda: "Do we have to involve the entire newsroom in any little fight we have?"
Spike: "I don't know. Shall we take a vote?"
Directed by Bob Spiers Spike has quit the paper and Lynda is upsetting more people than usual, leaving Kenny to clear up after her. However, Colin has discovered that Kenny writes and performs songs and has plans for him... GUEST CAST: Cathy Lindy Layton, Telegram Woman Liz Hickling, Little Boy John Savage, Little Girl Charlotte Payne, Humphrey Burke Jon Sloane, Raymond Hoggart Anthony Lennon, Zedron Andrew Livingstone.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: Sam and Kenny.
NOTES: Kenny is again the main character in this episode with the opening scenes
perfectly illustrating Kenny’s strengths as he holds the newsroom together. Lee Ross
himself wrote "Purses and Souls", the song played by Kenny when he is being recorded by
Colin. An instrumental version is also used occasionally as incidental music. With its
cliffhanger ending the episode leads directly into The Big Finish?, the season finale
which continues the story of Kenny and his pop career. This is also the last episode
to use a conversation during the end credits.
CONTINUITY: The Pavilion, the venue of the talent contest, was mentioned in
Money, Love and Birdseed as the place where the Dreadnoughts were
playing. Kenny also mentions Jenny Eliot for the first time in several episodes.
Also on Kenny's bedroom wall there is a poster for Jason Wood's album
(from Friends Like These).
TRIVIA: Kenny's birthday is eight months after the episode.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Kenny: "What are you doing in my wardrobe?" Colin: "Well your mum said I could wait
in your room." Kenny: "I don't think she meant in my wardrobe." Colin: "Would
it have killed her to be a little more specific?"
Directed by Bob Spiers It looks as if things will never be the same at the Junior Gazette. Spike is returning to America and Sullivan is intending to replace the current staff with a new generation. Things only come to a head on the day of Kenny's concert... GUEST CAST: Brian Magboy Simon Schatzberger, Humphrey Burke Jon Sloane, Raymond Hoggart Anthony Lennon, Zedron Andrew Livingstone.
END CREDIT VOICEOVER: None; all of the credits scroll over footage of Kenny's concert.
NOTES: This wonderful episode closes the season with a terrific cliffhanger that
was originally intended to resolve the entire series. The song performed at Kenny's
concert is called "You Don't Feel For Me" and was written by Lee Ross and performed by
Lee Ross and the Gift. There is a great in-joke when Spike and Lynda are arguing again and
Tiddler says that "We've all been following this dopey love story since page one", a
reference to the title of the very first episode.
CONTINUITY: The episode is a continuation of the story from Rock Solid
and the instrumental version of "Purses and Souls" is again used as instrumental music.
Jon Sloane, Anthony Lennon and Andrew Livingstone all reappear as Kenny’s musicians.
There is a reference to the rabbits named after Spike and Lynda in Something Terrible
and Sarah says that she has split up from Raymond Adams (who she met in Love And The
Junior Gazette).
TRIVIA: The Junior Gazette has been running almost for a year.
CHOICE QUOTES:
Sarah: "Is Kenny ever wrong about anything?" Lynda: "I know someone who says they saw
it happen but I think they were just talking big."
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