Fergus McPhail: episode guide


Double Trouble

img capture

Episode 1.01
Fri, January 02, 2004 (Ten, 4pm)
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Fergus McPhail and his family arrive in town. Fergus saves Lambert from some bullies and they become inseparable friends. He meets the girl of his dreams Sophie Bartoli.

Cast (all eps): Sean Ohlendorf as Fergus, Michael Harrison as Lambert, Heli Simpson as Sophie, Megan Harrington as Angela, Marcus Costello as Richmond, Steven Bahnsen as Declan, Tammy McCarthy as Mum, Brett Swain as Dad, Miriam Glaser as Senga, Jessie Jacobs as Jennifer, Reg Gorman as Harry Patterson

With: Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Kiran Nagesh as Taxi Driver

Notes: for the sake of brevity, I've carved out the "cast" grouping above and won't repeat it for all episodes but those actors are credited in every episode. Megan Harrington (Angela) is the daughter of actor Kevin Harrington (SeaChange, Underbelly, The Wrong Girl).

The Best Man for The Job

img capture

Episode 1.02
January 09, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Fergus arrs for Lambert to stand for school elections with disastrous results. Unwanted relatives make an unwelcome visit.

With: Francis Greenslande as Eric Sponge, Victoria Eagger as Imelda Sponge, Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie, Gregory Ross as Mr Claverhouse, Maurie Annese as Mr Snippy; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, David Fernee as Brent, Jarred Taylor as Trevor, Casey-Lee Walker as Model, Clare Chihambakwe as Trainee #1, Troy Lovett as Trainee #2

Great Expectations

img capture

Episode 1.03
January 16, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Everybody knows that Fergus' mum is expecting a baby except Fergus. He is too busy embarrassing himself on the soccer field trying to impress Sophie.

With: Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Kaarin Fairfax as Ms Rolla, Nick Waters as Coach, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Alexandra-Claire Stanley as Blonde Girl

Buddies

img capture

Episode 1.04
January 23, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Lambert joins the school's new buddy system so he can be near Angela. That leaves the way clear for Fergus to play soccer with Sophie. But Richmond and Declan have other ideas.

With: Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie, Nick Waters as Coach, Lee Cormie as Tim, Shannon Cordes as Juliet, Angus McLaren as Bob, David Clencie as Car Owner, Maurie Annese as Mr Snippy; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Amene Kai as Boy at Carwash

The Joker

img capture

Episode 1.05
January 30, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Fergus and Lambert get caught in the girls shower block trying to retrieve a soccer ball. Richmond and Declan sabotage Sophie's locker and Fergus gets the blame for that too.

With: Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie, Kaarin Fairfax as Ms Rolla, Ian Scott as Principal; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Row Your Own Rissoles

img capture

Episode 1.06
February 06, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Fergus and Lambert stumble upon holiday work with the cranky Captain McCorkindale's hire boat business. They try to impress the girls with their new boating prowess, but it nearly ends in disaster!

With: Frank Gallagher as MacCorkindale, Gregory Ross as Mr Claverhouse, Lachy Woods as Customer, Bruce Barnes as Govt. Officer; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Goosebumps

img capture

Episode 1.07
February 13, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Fergus bites off more than he can chew when he appears in a chocolate bar commercial and meets the alluring Tracey Dee.

With: Joy Westmore as Mrs Vance, Matylda Buczko as Tracey Dee, Kat Stewart as Director, Alethea McGrath as Mrs Carmody, J'aime Holland as Girl #1, Haiha Le as Girl #2; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Phil Cantone as Film Tech, Amanda Ma as Make Up Artist

In a Jam

img capture

Episode 1.08
February 20, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Jean-Pierre Mignon

Fergus allows himself to be used as a pawn in Tracey Dee's protest against the a marmalade manufacturer. Senga gets a job, leaves home and into Tracey Dee's squat.

With: Matylda Buczko as Tracey Dee, Damien Bodie as Leon, Paul English as PR Man, Greg Saunders as Personnel Officer, Chris Hemsworth as Craig, Emily Jay as Sally, Heidi Valkenberg as Maddie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Jeremy McLay as Security Guard

The Play's The Thing

img capture

Episode 1.09
February 27, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Declan Eames

Fergus and Lambert write a play together but fall out when they both want different leading ladies. But it's Richmond who scores the leading male role to Sophie's heroine.

With: Damien Bodie as Leon, Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie, Jarred Taylor as Trevor; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Mother of Invention

img capture

Episode 1.10
March 05, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Declan Eames

Fergus inadvertently gives Angela joke inventions for her public speaking contest. Senga returns home with Leon because the squat has been demolished. Richmond tries to sink Jen's pram, but Fergus saves the day.

With: Damien Bodie as Leon, Andrew Clarke as Ben Cameron, Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Just Desserts

img capture

Episode 1.11
March 12, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Declan Eames

Fergus jumps to the wrong conclusion when he sees Sophie's stepfather, Ben, with another woman. He is faced with a dilemma, to tell or not to tell Sophie.

With: Damien Bodie as Leon, Andrew Clarke as Ben Cameron, Alicia Gardiner as Ms Crombie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Tracey Callander as Sophie's Mum (uncredited), Bruce Alexander as ? (uncredited), Georgia Bolton as Liz Cameron (uncredited)

Budget Teen

img capture

Episode 1.12
March 19, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Declan Eames

The kids are unhappy with their purchases at Budget Teen. Some astute bag swapping leads to unforeseen consequences. Senga becomes apprentice to Dad, which tries his tolerance to the limit. Lambert invites Jennifer to join his and Fergus' band.

With: Tracey Callander as Sophie's Mum, Alan Hopgood as Shop Assistant, Damien Neate as Daryl, Lois Fleming as Daryl's Mum, Jarred Turner as Trevor, David Fernee as Brent; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Dummy Run

img capture

Episode 1.13
March 26, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Declan Eames

Dad decides the whole family must have a dummy run to be prepared for when the baby comes. Mum decides they can do it without her. While the family is out preparing for the imminent birth, Fergus finds himself holding the baby. Lambert's search for the mysterious drummer continues.

With: Sam Hall as Rodney, Joy Westmore as Mrs Vance, Julia Zemiro as Female Cop, Patrick Graham as Male Cop, Carla Perrore as Baby Sophie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Incandescent Proposal

img capture

Episode 1.14
April 02, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Fergus returns to school a hero after delivering his mum's baby. A misjudgement sees him offering Rodney, the new boy, a date with Sophie in return for his coveted drum kit.

With: Sam Hall as Rodney, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Lia Muraca as Girl at School, Carla Perrone as Baby Sophie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

The Grass Is Greener

img capture

Episode 1.15
April 09, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Fergus swaps houses with Rodney but finds the grass is not any greener over the back fence. Senga has an all too brief stint in the complaints department. Dad gets a desk job.

With: Sam Hall as Rodney, Glenda Linscott as Gabrielle, Michelle Fawdon as Mrs Mobbs, Jessica Muschamp as Customer, Jocelyn Evans as Supervisor; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Cactus

img capture

Episode 1.16
April 16, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Adrian Holmes

Fergus is thrilled when Dad brings home a large dog which turns into a bargaining chip. But Sophie, always one step ahead, makes a counter offer and throws a spanner in the works.

With: Sam Hall as Rodney, Glenda Linscott as Gabrielle, Michele Fawdon as Mrs. Mobbs, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Brian Lipson as Dog Catcher, Bruno Stepnell as Bus Driver; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

The Act

img capture

Episode 1.17
April 23, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Jeffrey Walker

Fergus and Lambert pretend to be French to impress a couple of girls to make Sophie and Angela jealous. Senga takes up volunteer work while Jennifer and Mr Patterson's busking efforts land them a spot on TV.

With: Lauren Hele as Lucia, Greta Larkins as Regina, Steve Jacobs as Jeremy Sylvester, Jeff Kovski as Hen Man, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double Rick Tonna as Bib Runner #2, Brett Donohue as Burly Runner, Nikki O'Callaghan as Girl Runner, Chris Gaffney as Official #1, Greg Peeler as Official #2

A Different Complexion

img capture

Episode 1.18
April 30, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Elise McCredie

Fergus is enthusiastic when he thinks the art class is getting a nude model. His enthusiasm wanes when he realises that the model might be his sister — or his mother!. Lambert protests in search of respect... and other things.

With: Alicia Gardner as Ms Crombie, Ian Scott as Principal, Damian Neate as Small Boy, Carla Perrone as Baby Sophie; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Mean

img capture

Episode 1.19
May 07, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Elise McCredie

Fergus accepts Jen's challenge to see who is the better musician. Senga has returned to school but runs foul of a girl who plays a mean trick on her.

With: Kaarin Fairfax as Ms Rolla, Charlie Ranger as Hugh, Rhona Rees as Charlotte, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Razzle Dazzle

img capture

Episode 1.20
May 14, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Elise McCredie

Fergus takes part in Razzle Dazzle, a tournament of mind and muscle. But he learns the hard way about being a team player. Jen and Mr Patterson spring Mrs Vance from her home.

With: Kaarin Fairfax as Ms Rolla, Joy Westmore as Mrs Vance, Pepe Trevor as Matron, Ella Rowe as TV Interviewer, Tara Catmull as Hester; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Manners Optional

img capture

Episode 1.21
May 21, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by Elise McCredie

Fergus is accused of being bad mannered until Sophie and Angela step in to right the wrongs. Jen cons Mitch to go on a date and Dad ends up on TV.

With: Tara Catmull as Hester, Harry Smith as Mitch, Ella Rowe as TV Interviewer, Serge De Nardo as Cinema Manager; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Every Stick Has Two Wrong Ends

img capture

Episode 1.22
May 28, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by David Cameron

Dad reveals embarrassing stories from Fergus' childhood on TV which results in people assuming that Fergus is adopted.

With: Tara Catmull as Hester, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Charlotte Nicdao as Betty, James Moriarty as Ray, Braeden Kennedy as ESL Kid #1, Catherine Lamberty as ESL Kid #2, Aaron Gazzola as ESL Kid #3; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Carla Perrone as Baby Sophie

Change Partners

img capture

Episode 1.23
June 04, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by David Cameron

Fame goes to Angela's head and when she starts hanging around the McPhails to see Dad, Fergus gets the wrong idea and thinks she is interested in him. He responds in kind leaving Sophie and Lambert to pick up the pieces.

With: Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Malcolm Hansford as Uncle Roberto, Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

A Brush With Reality

img capture

Episode 1.24
June 11, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by David Cameron

Fergus, Lambert and Jennifer's band is sabotaged at the audition for the end-of-year school dance. A reality television crew inveigle their way into the McPhails' lives with disastrous results.

With: Charlie Ranger as Hugh, Joy Westmore as Mrs Vance, Nick Farnell as The Director, Graeme Baker as Cameraman, Jarred Taylor as Bell Boy, Daniel Ryan as Tap Dancing Boy, Lia Muraca as Tuba Girl, Tristan King as Bag Pipe Player; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Wrong Track

img capture

Episode 1.25
June 18, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by David Cameron

On a school bush excursion, Fergus gets closer to Sophie while Lambert shows his true colours in helping Angela at her time of need. At home Dad announces he is taking the family interstate where new prospects beckon.

With: Alicia Gardiner as Mrs Crombie, Charlie Ranger as Hugh, Harry Smith as Mitch; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double

Last Dance with Sophie

img capture

Episode 1.26 (finale)
June 25, 2004
Written by David McRobbie
Directed by David Cameron

At the school dance Fergus glumly prepares to say goodbye to Sophie. But things don't quite turn out that way. The band is triumphant and saves the day. Dad makes an important announcement.

With: Charlie Ranger as Hugh, Alex Tsitsopoulos as Angelo, Alicia Gardiner as Mrs Crombie, Harry Smith as Mitch, Joy Westmore as Mrs Vance, Tristan King as Bag Pipe Player; Nicholas Turner, John Williams & Martin Sharpe as The Committee; Robbie Philpott as Fergus Double, Carla Perrone as Baby Sophie