australian television information archive

What a Guy

Episode 8.01 (167)
W: Jutta Goetze
D: Mark DeFriest

A new doctor and nurse arrive at Coopers Crossing. Unfortunately, since he's charming but arrogant and she's tired of overbearing city doctors, the stage is set for a clash.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Lenore Smith as Sr. Kate Standish, Brett Climo as Dr. David Ratcliffe, Nikki Coghill as Sr. Jackie Crane, David Reyne as Dr. Guy Reid, Christopher Stollery as Capt. Johnno Johnson

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Olga Dickie as Mrs. Lightburn, Lisa Taylor as Liz, Erin Rowley as Jenny, Phyll Freeman as Caravan Attendant, uncredited as Janet

Note: Nikki Coghill and David Reyne join the starring cast. Christopher Stollery is promoted into the starring cast while Andrew McFarlane, Alex Papps and Tammy Macintosh have departed

Bad Moon Rising

Episode 8.02 (168)
W: David Phillips
D: Mark DeFriest

When a man collapses at an oil rig, David and Johnno arrive to help, only to discover the boss is an old enemy of Johnno's. While the doctor's fight to keep their patient in hospital with no discernible diagnosis, Johnno is concerned a secret from his past will cost him his job — or a life.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Charles Tingwell as Hughie Geddes, Dennis Miller as Greg Carpenter, Ron Pinnell as Bennet

Note: Charles Tingwell appeared previously in ep 6.02. The last known acting role for Ron Pinnell.

A New Life

Episode 8.03 (169)
Thu, Feb 07, 1991
W: Vince Moran
D: Ian Gilmour

Kate is faced with the difficult task of delivering a baby in mid-flight during a thunderstorm. Kate and Geoff, who are contemplating starting their own family, step in to help when the new mother rejects her baby. After inheriting her great-grandfather's priceless diary, Clare loses everything in a housefire.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Rebecca Frith as Gail Ramsay, Matthew Crosby as Des Ramsay, Clive Hearne as Mark Ramsay, Judy Johnson as Eileen Ramsay, Stacey Engelen as Baby Ramsay

Through Thick & Thin

Episode 8.04 (170)
Thu, Feb 14, 1991
W: John Coulter
D: Ian Gilmour

The doctors are called on to help a pair of English backpackers who are stranded in the outback. When one of the women falls ill, Magda and Guy argue over her treatment. Nancy tries to convince Vic to go on trip to Africa for their 35th wedding anniversary but he's prepared a little surprise of his own. A Japanese tourist in hospital after having his appendix removed takes a romantic interest in Jackie.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Felicity Soper as Trish, Clarissa House as Kath, Muro as Toshii Ishiguro

Deceptions

Episode 8.05 (171)
Thu, Feb 21, 1991
W: Julie Phillips
D: Catherine Millar

David has just one more call to attend to before he finishes his duties with the airborne medics. A jackeroo is fired because he has been seeing the boss' daughter. David's efforts to save a life go disasterously wrong.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Wynn Roberts as Dr. Don McKenzie, Alan Cassell as Charles, Elizabeth Maywald as Melissa, Robert Mammone as Sam

Note: Brett Climo's final episode

None So Blind

Episode 8.06 (172)
Thu, Feb 28, 1991
W: Denise Morgan
D: Catherine Millar

Kate is faced with possible blindness when battery acid explodes in her face. A visiting nurse getting work experience as a radio operator endures the racist attitudes of the locals while Guy's colleagues play a practical joke on him to change his.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Lenore Smith as Sr. Kate Standish, Nikki Coghill as Sr. Jackie Crane, David Reyne as Dr. Guy Reid, Christopher Stollery as Capt. Johnno Johnson

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Elspeth Ballantyne as Alice Franklin, Jedda Cole as Sally, Shona Ford as Jilly, Michael Fry as Robert, Harry Lawrence as Ray Craddock

The Sleep of Reason

Episode 8.07 (173)
Thu, March 07, 1991
W: Bevan Lee
D: Kendal Flanagan

The arrival of Kate's younger sister is shrouded in mystery. Penny turns out to be subdued and secretive, while Magda also has a secret and makes a shock announcement. Guy is called on to perform an emergency brain operation on a newborn. Geoff terminally ill colleague challenges Penny to confront her fear.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Melita Jurisic as Dr. Magda Heller, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Wynn Roberts as Dr. Don McKenzie, Victoria Rowland as Peg Foley, Mark Dignam as Bob, Brandon McLean as Dean, Rian McLean as Joey, Corey Mackey as Baby Jilly

Notes: Melita Jurisic's final episode. Sophie Lee joins the cast. A very early acting role for 6-year-old Rian McLean (alongside his brother) who is best known for playing Pete Twist in series 3 & 4 of Round the Twist (1998, 2000)

My Mother's Child

Episode 8.08 (174)
Thu, March 14, 1991
W: David Worthington
D: Kendal Flanagan

It becomes clear that Clare is under stress when she makes a rare mistake at work that puts a flight at risk. Penny is excited by the arrival of a handsome young man who has come to Coopers Crossing to meet Clare, his birth mother.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Rosie Sturgess as Elsie, Bob Horsfall as Bus Driver [Wayne], Tiriel Mora as Miner

Note: Paul Kelman's first episode as Steve Macauley

Swinging on the Rope

Episode 8.09 (175)
Thu, March 21, 1991
W: Greg Haddrick
D: Brendan Maher

A wealthy and powerful landowner causes problems for the RFDS when he insists that his critically injured son is sent to a specialist in Melbourne. Dr. Rowie Lang returns home to Coopers Crossing to join the Flying Doctors. Arriving with a chip on her shoulder from how she was treated in her youth, Rowie's brusque manner puts her at odds with everyone she encounters.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Lenore Smith as Sr. Kate Standish, Nikki Coghill as Sr. Jackie Crane, Sarah Chadwick as Dr. Rowie Lang, David Reyne as Dr. Guy Reid, Christopher Stollery as Capt. Johnno Johnson

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Don Reid as George Worthing, John O'Halloran as Luke Worthing, Belinda McClory as Tina, Jon Finlayson as Specialist

Note: Sarah Chadwick joins the starring cast. This cast configuration will be in place to the end of the series. Belinda McClory's 2nd known role after a 1990 guest spot in A Country Practice

Father & Son

Episode 8.10 (176)
Thu, April 04, 1991
W: Elizabeth Coleman
D: Brendan Maher

Vic decides to become a partner in a tourist enterprise with a slick millionaire. Vic plans to finance the endeavour by selling half of the pub which is to be be remodelled into an outback-themed tourist trap. Rowie tries to helps two friends come to terms with the tragic death of their newborn.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: John Howard as Mike Stone, Ezra Bix as Joe Peterson, Tammy McCarthy as Karen Peterson, Kimberley Jellis as Kylie Peterson, Jessica Jennings as Jane Peterson, Skye Brooks as Sarah Peterson, Ryan Murray as Baby Bernie, Jane Hall-Kelly as Baby Bernie, Eleonora Varrenti [Elly Varrenti] as Vera, Charles Dance as Minister, Monty Maizels as Wal, John Proper as Harry Graham

A Little Miracle

Episode 8.11 (177)
Thu, April 11, 1991
W: Anthony Ellis
D: Mark DeFriest

While on a camping trip seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Geoff and Kate find themselves set up next to another family. The father of this fundamentalist family goes over the edge and decides to follow in Abraham's footsteps by sacrificing his son to prove his faith. A variety of unique skills are put on display during a talent night at the Majestic.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Tim McKenzie as Hugh Fraser, Katy Brinson as Sarah Fraser, David Hoflin as James Fraser, Pia Morley as Rebecca Fraser

Notes: David Hoflin's first known tv role

Murphy's Law

Episode 8.12 (178)
Thu, March 28, 1991
W: Vince Moran
D: Mark DeFriest

Vic is devastated when he hits an eight-year-old girl with his car. The situation gets more dire when Guy diagnoses the single mother with terminal brain cancer. With the woman facing certain death, Jackie goes all out to secure a custody arrangement for her son-to-be-orphaned daughter.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Sarah Woods as Judy Murphy, Shane Connor as Rick, Gemma Bishop as Fiona Murphy, David Wicks as Priest

Notes: the first known acting role for Gemma Bishop (Short Cuts, The Cheerleader Diaries)

Breaking Down The Wall

Episode 8.13 (179)
Thu, April 25, 1991
W: Maureen Ann Moran
D: Kendal Flanagan

Desperate for something to do on his weekend off, Guy joins Jackie, Steve, Penny, and a German couple on an outback tour to see some cave drawings. When their tour guide dies of a heart attack, the group become lost and needs to be rescued. Clare works up the courage to ask her son, Steve, not to leave town. Kate learns he is pregnant.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Frankie J. Holden as Arthur 'Ozzie' Oswald, Ben Gabriel as Franz Josef, Marijke Mann as Ilsa Josef, Michael Carman as Willie Ryan

Once Bitten

Episode 8.14 (180)
Thu, May 02, 1991
W: Shane Brennan
D: Kendal Flanagan

While responding to an accident at a work site, Geoff is unknowingly injected in the arm with hydraulic fluid. As the resulting infection worsens, and his colleagues struggle to make a diagnosis, it not only threatens his arm but also his life. Johnno tries to stop Steve from taking a job on the same dangerous site.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Tim Hughes as Rocket Anderson

Clipped Wings

Episode 8.15 (181)
Thu, May 09, 1991
W: Jutta Goetze
D: Ian Gilmour

Johnno finds himself in hot water with the Civil Aviation Authority after he damages the Nomad while trying to take off from an unregulated runway in bad weather. When his pilot's license is suspended, Johnno is grounded until he can pass a qualification exam. But with bureaucrats questioning about his competency, Johnno leaves for a job on a station. When another emergency arises, Johnno must take to the air again. Meanwhile, Steve helps Vic with some electrical repairs at the Majestic.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Peter Hosking as Frank Howard, Tom Coltraine as George the Pilot, Irini Pappas as Gina Martinelli, Dino Nicolosi as Joe Martinelli

Walk Don't Run

Episode 8.16 (182)
Thu, May 16, 1991
W: Denise Morgan
D: lan Gilmour

Kate is determined to compete in Coopers Crossing's annual cross country horse race even though she is pregnant. Penny provides support for an old friend of Rowie's who is running across the scorching desert to Broken Hill in an effort to attract sponsors to further her athletic career. Guy's patient records are erased when Steve uses the station computer after hours. Vic is upset to discover Steve has set up a competing SP bookmaking racket.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Lisa Hensley as Gaby, Rainey Carah as Primrose, Reg Evans as Fitzy, Max Fairchild as Sgt. Bob

Masquerade

Episode 8.17 (183)
Thu, May 23, 1991
W: Sue Hore
D: Brendan Maher

Guy becomes increasingly involved with woman he suspects is being battered at home. Geoff cautions him about getting too involved, eventually taking him off the case, but Guy persists, believing there are other issues at play. Jackie has to cope with the affections of a dentist who won't take no for an answer.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Daina Reid as Laura Mitchell, Tim Smith as Danny Bennet, Gerald Sont as Joe Mitchell

Note: the earliest known acting role for Daina Reid who, in addition to acting, would go on to an extensive career as a director

Against the Current

Episode 8.18 (184)
Thu, May 30, 1991
W: Tony Cavanaugh & Vicki Madden
D: Brendan Maher

After being lectured to by Kate about her attitude, Penny takes off on a camping trip with Steve. But when they come across a hiker who has been attacked by bees, they are forced onto a makeshift raft in a futile attempt to go for help. Traumatised by the ordeal, Penny dumps Steve and runs off to Melbourne. Kate goes after her hoping to bring her home.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Renato Bartolomei as Adam, Fiona Maynard as Zan, Warren Owens as Dougie, Ann Young as Dianne

Music: "Know Your Friends" by Paul Kelly

Last of the Cochranes

Episode 8.19 (185)
Thu, June 06, 1991
W: Graham Hartley
D: Kendal Flanagan

A mysterious call drags Geoff to Melbourne where he meets up with 91-year-old Mum Cochrane, who is determined to return to Coopers Crossing to die. With Gladys unwilling to go into hospital, Geoff agrees to set up her hospital bed in the main room of the pub. As Gladys' condition deteriorates, there is a rush to find the last of the Cochrane family fortune.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Margaret Ford as 'Mum' Gladys Cochrane, Tom E. Lewis as Ant, Mitchell Faircloth as Turk

Note: we last saw the Cochrane family in episode 2.17. We see her sons, Carbine and Pharlap, in a rare use of flashbacks

Double Life

Episode 8.20 (186)
Thu, June 13, 1991
W: Bevan Lee
D: Kendal Flanagan

The people of Cooper Crossing are stunned when Guy's fiancée, Fern Wentworth, arrives in town. She is convinced that he has become too provincial and wants to reclaim his love. Meanwhile, a masked gunman is terrorising area women living on their own.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Dale Stevens as Fern Wentworth, Ailsa Piper as Mary Baldwin, John Ley as Tom Baldwin, Rikki Arnot as Allie Baldwin, Dominique Oyston as Jan Stevens, Huw Williams as Col Stevens

Something, Nothing

Episode 8.21 (187)
Thu, June 20, 1991
W: Elizabeth Coleman
D: Catherine Millar

Johnno decides to re-evaluate his priorities in life when he and Rowie are nearly killed while flying through a storm. His first move is to tell Rowie he wants her as part of his future. Jackie tries to take Guy down a peg when a date with him is offered up as the prize in a CWA fundraising raffle. The doctors help a young woman with MS adjust to her worsening condition.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Catherine Hill as Bronwyn Blake, Judy Banks as Margaret MacMahon, George Viskich as Oliver Stanthorpe, Margot Duell as Jean Stanthorpe, Kyla as Stevie Ray

Music: "Throw Your Arms Around Me" by Hunters & Collectors

Note: the second of three credited appearances for Kyla the dog (6.18, 9.02).

Family

Episode 8.22 (188)
Thu, June 27, 1991
W: Vince Moran
D: Catherine Millar

Colin Lyons, an old paediatrician friend of Geoff's arrives as he and Kate prepare for the birth of their first child. Kate is shocked to learn the man is an alcoholic and demands he sober up as a condition of staying at their house. The truth comes out when an emergency arises requiring Colin's surgical expertise.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Robert Menzies as Colin Lyons, Chloe Kimball as Scarlett Standish, Colette Mann as Grace, Amy Pettifer as Grace's Child

Being Positive

Episode 8.23 (189)
Thu, July 04, 1991
W: Bevan Lee
D: Ian Gilmour

Anthropologist Jerry Davis returns to Coopers Crossing needing to speak to Geoff urgently. The Flying Doctors saved his life after a gruesome accident and Jerry has since been diagnosed with HIV. As everyone anxiously awaits their test results, they try to keep the news from getting out and causing a panic. Jackie is thrilled at the return of Jerry, the man of her dreams, but his health status put her friends in an ethical bind. Johnno surprises Rowie with a marriage proposal. Clare's friends throw her a surprise birthday party.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: William McInnes as Jerry Davies, George Fairfax as Jock Cavandish, Judith Graham as Mary Cavandish, Rosie Sturgess as Elsie, Warren Owens as Dougie [uncredited]

Open Day

Episode 8.24 (190)
Thu, July 11, 1991
W: Anthony Ellis
D: Ian Gilmour

Geoff tries to persuade the overprotective mother of a badly scarred young man that it would aid his mental recovery to come to Coopers Crossing and face the world rather than being sheltered away at home. When the man becomes suicidal, Penny holds out a hand of friendship. Penny doesn't know how to respond when Steve tells her he loves her. Clare suggests to Jackie her and Guy's teasing is a sign of deeper feeling for one another.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: John Polson as Barry MacIntyre, Joan Murray as Jean MacIntyre

Changing Times

Episode 8.25 (191)
Thu, July 18, 1991
W: Jutta Goetze
D: Kendal Flanagan

The town farewells Geoff and Kate after he accepts a high-profile job at a busy Melbourne hospital. Taking over for Geoff, Guy is quick to roll out changes to how things are done. Johnno tries to mend Rowie's relationship with her estranged, alcoholic father. Returning to Coopers Crossing for Rowie and Johnno's wedding, Geoff and Kate realise what they've left behind. They're not the only ones having second thoughts as the wedding gets called off.

Regulars: Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Paul Kelman as Steve Macauley, Beverley Dunn as Clare Bryant

Guests: Desmond Kelly as Alf, Susan Yardley as Lisa, Lawrence Held as Saunders, Andrea Swifte as Sister Warren