australian television information archive

The Real Thing

Episode 3.01 (71)
Tuesday, February 09, 1993
Written by Jan Sardi
Directed by Pino Amenta

Billy, a young man who is the spitting image of Bobby, appears on the doorstep from out of nowhere. He appears to be just a fan of Bobby's music until he introduces himself as Bobby's son. Billy's story seems to check out, he's even a musician, and Bobby invites him to stay but Thomas isn't keen on sharing his room — or his father.

Starring: Jon English as Bobby Rivers, Rebecca Gibney as Tracy Lawson, Garry Who as Doug Stevens, Jane Hall as Anna Sumner, Steven Jacobs as Thomas Sumner, Bruno Lucia as Wayne Lovett

With: Dean Stevenson as Billy

Back In The U.S.S.R.

Episode 3.02 (72)
Tuesday, February 16, 1993
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna is up for the role of Juliet in her school's production of Romeo & Juliet but loses the part to her best friend, Jodie. On a dare, Thomas auditions for the role of Romeo — and gets it. Dougie is looking forward to tutoring Thomas but he's just looking forward to kissing Jodie. Easy Street is back on the charts — in Russia. Well, not exactly Bobby's song but a polka version. It seems someone sold off the Russian language rights in 1988 for 200,000 Rubles. Bobby is emphatic Wayne get the rights back but Wayne has a better idea — a Russian tour opening for the polka band.

With: Radha Mitchell as Jodie

Not Fade Away

Episode 3.03 (73)
Tuesday, FFebruary 23, 1993
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Andrew Friedman

Anna is assigned to prepare a time capsule for the school with Raymond "Dropkick" Dibble. Keen to make a good impression on Anna, Raymond foregoes wearing his glasses around her leading Bobby to mistake him for Buddy Holly's ghost. Thomas is invited to a party hosted by a prestigious family, the catch being he has bring along his father. To get Bobby in shape to go out in public, Thomas has "Buddy" pass on a few grooming tips.

With: David Treddinik as Raymond Dibble

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Episode 3.04 (74)
Tuesday, March 02, 1993
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tracy insists she's perfectly capable of dealing with a minor plumbing emergency in the kitchen — she took a course at TAFE after all. Wayne is devastated over a death in the family. His best friend Enzo is gone. Accidentally run over by Wayne. The poor chicken never even saw it coming.

With: Bettina Liano as Plumber, Jack Finsterer as Brad [uncredited]

Some Enchanted Evening

Episode 3.05 (75)
Tuesday, March 09, 1993
Written by Elizabeth Coleman & Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Thomas wins a romantic dinner for two in a radio contest — catered by Doug and Tracy as it happens — and is determined to invite Anna's best friend Jodie. Jodie thinks Thomas is a creep so he is surprised when she says "yes" but he later learns that Anna bribed Jodie to have dinner with Thomas. The evening actually gets off to a good start as the unlikely couple bond over criticisms of Anna — and then the family gets involved.

With: Radha Mitchell as Jodie

Am I That Easy To Forget

Episode 3.06 (76)
Tuesday, March 16, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

When the kids discover that Bobby has a valuable Roy Lichtenstein painting in the house, Thomas hires Wayne's cousin to make a copy of it so he can sell the original without Bobby knowing. Dougie stuns the family when he announces that he is getting married. He just met Georgina while driving his taxi and has agreed to marry her so she can stay in the country. Their on-again, off-again relationship is seemingly off for good when Georgina is forced to go back to the U.K. Will Dougie join her?

With: Robyn Gibbes as Georgina

Let It Be

Episode 3.07 (77)
Tuesday, March 23, 1993
Written by Stig Wemyss & Megan Rees
Directed by Pino Amenta

"It's back" Bobby proclaims. "It" is the indescribable force that helped Bobby produce his hit song Easy Street back in the '70s. Wayne brings Bobby an opportunity to have one of his songs appear on a compilation album of new songs by great Australian artists of the past. There's just one catch — it's a comedy record. Anna agrees to look after Wayne's nephew for the night but after an innocent peck on the cheek, Sam is in love. He goes to Thomas for advice but comes away with the impression that Anna is pregnant as a result of their kiss. After a talk with Bobby, Sam decides he needs to do the right thing by Anna and proposes. Thomas seeks to capitalise on the return of Bobby's "it" by using it to bet on horse races but as quickly as "it" came, "it" goes, much to Bobby's delight.

Starring: Jon English as Bobby Rivers, Rebecca Gibney as Tracy Lawson, Jane Hall as Anna Sumner, Steven Jacobs as Thomas Sumner, Bruno Lucia as Wayne Lovett

With: Simon Gligora as Sam Punchetto

Note: new opening credits

I See Red

Episode 3.08 (78)
Tuesday, March 30, 1993
Written by Tony Hood
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna has a major opportunity slip through her fingers when she is passed over for a scholarship because of Bobby's history of "anti-American activity". The kids eventually learn Bobby was busted for throwing paint on LBJ's limo while protesting Conscription. Anna hopes an apology letter will get her a second chance but Bobby's principles won't let him apologise for something he believes in. Wayne scores Bobby a gig on the hottest circuit in the country — the RSL Club — but he's concerned Bobby's past will result in him being blacklisted and sent to Rock 'n' Roll Siberia.

Love Is In The Air

Episode 3.09 (79)
Tuesday, April 06, 1993
Written by Jan Sardi
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna's in love. Tracy's thrilled for her until she finds out the boy, Matt Bronson Jr, is the son of a man who once tried to blackmail her into sleeping with him. Tracy is concerned the son shares more than just his father's name and doesn't want Anna having anything to do with him. Wayne gets Tracy a gig stuffing chooks for an Albanian wedding. After trying on Anna's new ring, Tracy loses it in one of the birds.

With: Brett Partridge as Matt

Down Among The Dead Men

Episode 3.10 (80)
Tuesday, April 13, 1993
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

There's a Bobby Rivers tribute weekend on the radio, his records are once again flying off the shelves, and he's on the cover of Rock Weekly. Things couldn't be better for Bobby Rivers — the late, great Bobby Rivers that is. With his career resurrected, is Bobby better off if people think he's dead? Wayne certainly thinks so.

With: Simon Gligora as Sam Punchetto, Ray Martin as Himself [uncredited]

I Started A Joke

Episode 3.11 (81)
Tuesday, April 20, 1993
Written by Kevin Harrington & Michael Pope
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna has been selected to give a talk on teenage alcoholism at her school's speech night. Thomas' practical jokes quickly wear thin with the family but things take a serious turn when Thomas thinks he's poisoned Bobby with hair restorer. After Thomas runs away from home, Wayne must inform the family he was caught up in a riot and taken to hospital. It's a step too far for the family but is their reaction just another trick?

With: Steve Millichamp as Constable Gary Jarlsberg

Only Women Bleed

Episode 3.12 (82)
Tuesday, April 27, 1993
Written by Kate Langbroek
Directed by Pino Amenta

A famous music producer is commissioning a rock opera about a certain one-hit wonder from the '70s. If Bobby can come up with a storyline, he can write the show. It's the opportunity of a lifetime. Bobby's good news is tempered by Tracy's discovery of a lump in her breast. When Bobby's brief window to sign the contract conflicts with Tracy's operation, Bobby has a decision to make.

Killing Me Softly

Episode 3.13 (83)
Tuesday, May 04, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

With Tracy away at a training course for two weeks, Bobby has taken over the running of the household and to say the kids are tired of pizza for breakfast is an understatement. Thomas takes it upon himself to hire a new live-in housekeeper using the money Tracy left to cover food and other bills. As it turns out, she's the eccentric sister of his maths teacher and Thomas hopes by taking her on, he'll earn some goodwill — and maybe a better grade — on an upcoming test. Bobby can't bring himself to fire Harriet but when Thomas gets his test results back, he's ready to see her go as well. Seems the only person who likes Harriet is Wayne.

With: Alison Whyte as Harriet Guest

I Am Woman

Episode 3.14 (84)
Tuesday, May 11, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

With Harriet firmly in charge of the household, things have changed. Wayne is even ringing the doorbell. Wayne has gotten Bobby a gig at a Country & Western bar. With the family flat broke, Bobby Joe Rivers has no choice but to give it a go. Thomas has the just the reason to get rid of Harriet when he discovers she posed nude for a adult magazine. The kids aren't sure it will be reason enough for Bobby to fire her. More importantly, what will Thomas' maths teacher think if his sister loses her job?

With: Alison Whyte as Harriet Guest

Turn The Page

Episode 3.15 (85)
Tuesday, May 18, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tracy returns with news that she's been offered a job in the fashion industry in New York City. She wants Bobby and the kids to go with her but they don't share her enthusiasm. Tracy's news is of little importance when Anna and Thomas' mother, Beth, shows up on Bobby's doorstep very much alive. Beth explains she was robbed while on vacation and the thief, with all her possessions, died in the plane crash while she was left in a coma. She's finally tracked down the kids and is looking forward to being a proper mother. But where does that leave Bobby? And how will the kids react to their mother's return?

With: Kerry Armstrong as Beth Sumner

Amigos Para Siempre

Episode 3.16 (86)
Tuesday, May 18, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna finally has the opportunity to vent her frustrations over her mother's flighty ways. Beth insists she's changed and wants to make the most of her second chance with the kids. Tracy announces she's accepted the job offer and is moving to New York. Beth faces her first test when Anna announces she wants to go to New York with Tracy. Before she departs, Tracy asks Bobby why he never made a move on her. He explains he was frightened of losing the kids if she were to reject him. Wayne has the same question for Tracy.

With: Kerry Armstrong as Beth Sumner

Move Baby Move

Episode 3.17 (87)
Tuesday, May 25, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

With Beth moving into the house, Tracy's old room out back is up for grabs. Anna and Thomas both want it to get out of the house while Bobby wants it for a music studio. Wayne gazumps them all when he moves in after a fight with his mother. It is agreed the room will go to the person who can can rid of Wayne. Beth takes over Tracy and Doug's catering business.

Starring: Jon English as Bobby Rivers, Kerry Armstrong as Beth Sumner, Steven Jacobs as Thomas Sumner, Jane Hall as Anna Sumner, Bruno Lucia as Wayne Lovett

Note: the first episode with a 1993 production date brings new opening credits (with a re-recorded theme) as Kerry Armstrong joins the main cast replacing Rebecca Gibney

In The Flesh

Episode 3.18 (88)
Tuesday, June 01, 1993
Written by Kate Langbroek, Megan E. Rees, Stig Wemyss
Directed by Mike Smith

Thomas joins the school's art class to ogle the nude model. Thomas is left reeling when he discovers his mother has been hired to be the life model for his class. Beth is determined to help Thomas overcome his issues around nudity and decides to hold a nude dinner party. Bobby has decided it his time he moved with the times and cut his hair.

At The Hop

Episode 3.19 (89)
Tuesday, June 08, 1993
Written by Alan Hardy & Galia Hardy
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna, Thomas, and Jodie comprise the organising committee for their high school dance. Beth and Bobby expect to be asked to do the catering and music but Jodie pressures Anna and Thomas out of using them. Fortunately, Wayne lands Bobby a gig on the same night leaving it to Anna to tell her mother she's not needed. Jodie's high-class food and poor taste in musical acts result in a disaster of a dance. Where can they find replacements on such short notice?

With: Radha Mitchell as Jodie

Always On My Mind

Episode 3.20 (90)
Tuesday, June 15, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

A newspaper article about one of his old schoolmates being robbed causes Bobby to crack down when Thomas takes the imported fluffy dice from Wayne's Love Machine as a prank. Bobby explains to Thomas about how he stole a Spiderman comic book from his best friend in 1965. To make amends, Bobby would like to buy his friend another copy but it now costs $250. Bobby takes the money from Thomas' wallet cleaning him out before his big date. Last minutes changes to a big catering contract have Beth run off her feet and she reluctantly accepts help from her neighbour. Thomas has a pimple.

With: Doris Younane as Sue Jacobs

Friday On My Mind

Episode 3.21 (91)
Tuesday, June 29, 1993
Written by Jan Sardi
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby's feeling his mortality and his egg cartons are starting to fall off. It's time for Bobby to get back in shape but who is he trying to impress? Thomas masquerades as a surfer in order to impress an American exchange student. Bobby and Beth attempt to rekindle their romance. With the kids out of the house, what could spoil things?

Money Makes The World Go Round

Episode 3.22 (92)
Tuesday, July 06, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin & Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Everyone has their hand out, but Bobby's only got enough housekeeping money to cover the bills. So when the money in the biscuit tin goes missing, there is no shortage of suspects. Everyone denies taking the money but they've all managed to find money for expensive purchases. There's plenty of finger pointing to go around and the collective mistrust grows until the thief finally steps forward.

Stairway To Heaven

Episode 3.23 (93)
Tuesday, July 13, 1993
Written by Alan & Galia Hardy
Directed by Pino Amenta

Wayne introduces Beth to his "astrologer" cousin so she can consults the stars about her and Bobby but she has to travel out into the country to visit him. Wayne passes the message along to Bobby but he comes away thinking she's left the country. Not wanting to tell the kids their mother has skipped out on them again, Bobby has to keep up the charade that she's still around. Wanting to do something special for Mother's Day, Anna decides she and Thomas should serve their mother breakfast in bed. Hope there's enough chicken gravy for two.

From A Distance

Episode 3.24 (94)
Tuesday, July 20, 1993
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

After spending the night with Beth, Bobby is torn between his feelings for her and for Tracy. To sort things out, Bobby travels to America to find Tracy. He can't find Tracy but does get the advice he needs. Wayne has gotten Bobby the hottest gig of his life — filling in playing bass for Led Zeppelin on their new tour. It comes complete with a healthy advance but if Bobby misses the show, Wayne will be charged with fraud.

With: Gus Mercurio as Freddy Vale

Just The Way You Are

Episode 3.25 (95)
Tuesday, July 27, 1993
Written by Stig Wemyss
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby is asked to judge a best-pizza-in-town contest. Bobby takes the job very seriously and becomes obsessed with researching the history of his favourite food. Anna is outraged by a letter in magazine advice column by a woman complaining about her difficult daughter. The details match Anna perfectly and she's convinced her mother is the author. Beth is confounded by Anna's desire to knit Bobby a sweater. Overhearing Thomas joking about her boring nature, Anna tries to become more fun.

Leader Of The Pack

Episode 3.26 (96)
Tuesday, August 03, 1993
Written by Tony Hood
Directed by Mike Smith

Bobby is forced to call in a noise complaint when a rock band moves in next door and practices at all hours of the day. Bobby fires back with his own sonic salvo, dialing up his counter offensive to eleven. Bobby doesn't approve of Anna's interest in the band but Beth insists they are nice boys. When the lead singer lends Beth his motorbike, she decides to get her license, much to Thomas' consternation — with good reason as she is soon in an accident. But what caused the crash?

With: Michael Pope as Constable Bree

We Are Family

Episode 3.27 (97)
Tuesday, August 10, 1993
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

When Anna tapes over Thomas' copy of the Miss USA pageant, it initiates yet another fight between Bobby and the twins. Beth hopes to resolve their perpetual conflict so she books an appointment with a family counsellor. Anna thinks it is obvious that Thomas and Bobby are the problem but the counsellor isn't so sure and suggests reenacting some important events from their past to get to the truth — no matter how difficult it is for some people to hear. And then there are Wayne's problems.

With: Bruce Myles as Chad Braithwaite

Like Sister And Brother

Episode 3.28 (98)
Tuesday, August 17, 1993
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

Wayne's old primary school is closing down and Wayne is determined to raise the money to keep it open. All he needs is $100,000 and Beth is sure he will find a solution, he just needs faith — and a benefit concert. Soon the phone is ringing off the hook with famous bands expecting to be performing alongside Bruce Springsteen. Now Wayne just needs to find a Bruce Springsteen. Thomas stands up for Anna when her boyfriend tries to pressure her into having sex. After getting into a fight with the boy at school, Thomas is suspended.

Old School Yard

Episode 3.29 (99)
Tuesday, August 24, 1993
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna and her best friend Jodie are moderately upset their school principal has closed off the senior common room and given it to Bigelow Construction to use for storage during renovations. Beth encourages the girls to protest and while Anna is lukewarm about it all, Jodie is eager enough for them both — and that's just for the duffle coat. Despite taking a more conciliatory approach, Anna is suspended causing Beth to go to war against Anna's "fascist" principal. A compromise is reached for the company to use some natural grassland instead which upsets Anna even more. Soon, students are on strike across the state. An invitation to his class reunion has Bobby concerned about being humiliated by his old tormentors.

With: Radha Mitchell as Jodie

Your Cheatin' Heart

Episode 3.30 (100)
Tuesday, August 31, 1993
Written by Tony McNamara, Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

The unthinkable has happened — Thomas has gotten a better mark than Anna on a maths test. The gulf even widens when the exams are marked again at Anna's request. Anna knows Thomas cheated — she even finds his crib notes written on his arm — but Thomas doesn't want to let their mother down, prefering she believe her tutoring was the difference. Thomas has to keep up the act by tutoring Wayne's nephew. When the truth comes out, Beth suggests Thomas seek his answers in Tibet.

With: Simon Gligora as Sam Punchetto

School's Out

Episode 3.31 (101 - finale)
Tuesday, September 14, 1993
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna and Thomas may have graduated high school but that doesn't compare to Wayne's news — he's landed Bobby a gig writing a jingle for a Supermarket's national ad campaign. Bobby reluctantly accepts the job despite it putting his art in the hands of someone else. Thomas is thrilled about his new job, a real career opportunity, while Anna has plans on going to uni but if she can't hold down a job as a kitchen hand, how can she hope to handle university? When the twins get their results, Anna's a sure thing to get into uni while Thomas, well, Thomas is washed up at 17 and will have to repeat the year. Wayne sells Bobby's jingle, not to the grocery chain, but to an ice cream truck.