australian television information archive

Episode 1.01

Written by Peter Neale
Directed by Michael Jenkins

Christina Milano, Hartley High's young, new english and history teacher, has difficulties gaining control of her raucous students but when she steps in to stop a brawl in the schoolyard, she earns their respect. New student Jodie Cooper catches the eye of Nick Poulos.©tzuk

Starring: Alex Dimitriades as Nick, Sarah Lambert as Christina, Katherine Halliday as Rose, Salvatore Coco as Con, Emma Roche as Danielle, Corey Page as Steve, Doris Younane as Yola, Scott Major as Rivers, Abi Tucker as Jodie, Isabella Gutierrez as Chaka, Tai Nguyen as Jack, Tony Martin as Southgate, Hugh Baldwin as Graham, Stephen O'Rourke as Deloraine, Jan Adele as Ruby, Elly Varrenti as Irini, Nico Lathouris as George, Despina Caldis as Effie

Guest Cast: Jon Pollard as Bolton, Karise Sawyers as Johnno, Jane Harders as Maureen, George Rubiu as Franco

Episode 1.02

Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Michael Jenkins

Principal Deloraine's banning of Jodie's incendiary rap song sparks a freedom-of-speech revolt among the students. Nick, Rose and Jodie lead their fellow students in a strike and Deloraine counters with the threat of suspensions for all those involved. The dispute is amicably settled through negotiatons with everyone getting their demands met — except for Con who doesn't get the school soccer team he wanted. He does however get Danielle and Steve back together in time for Valentine's Day.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Jon Pollard as Bolton, Daniel Taylor as Brian Neasby, Ricky Natapradja & Bobby Natapradja as Musicians

Episode 1.03

Written by David Pillips
Directed by Graham Thorburn

Miss Milano gets approval for a school soccer team but only by volunteering to be its coach. Con borrows an amplifier from his uncle to allow Jodie to make a demo tape of her songs. Danielle creates controversy when she asks to try out for the new soccer team. Rumours about Nick and Jodie's relationship make their way through the school. Chaka faces off against Rivers.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Nicholas Garsden as Marco, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Jane Harders as Maureen, George Rubio as Franco, Daniel Taylor as Brian Neasby, John Lucantonio as Mr. Georgiou

Episode 1.04

Written by Craig Wilkins
Directed by Graham Thorburn

Southgate helps Rivers deal with the cops when they arrive to question him about a stolen car. Chaka worries about her presence in the stolen vehicle being revealed to the police. Nick spends the night with Jodie causing his parents to worry about his absence. Christina decides to leave her parents' place and move in with Yola.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Nicholas Garsden as Marco, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Jane Harders as Maureen, George Rubio as Franco, Richard Hill as Policeman

Note: we learn Christina is 22 years old

Episode 1.05

Written by Michael Cove
Directed by Ian Gilmour

After leaving home following an argument with his father, Nick moves in with Jodie and begins looking for a job so he can drop out of school. A record company executive takes an interest in Jodie and offers her a job with a rock band in Melbourne. Christina reproaches her boyfriend, Marco, for his constant unannounced and inconsiderate drop-ins, reminding him that she lives with Yola, not him.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Nicholas Garsden as Marco, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Pat Loria as A&R Man, Daniel Taylor as Neasby

Episode 1.06

Written by Michael Cove
Directed by Ian Gilmour

The burden of assuming the responsibilities of looking after her family causes Chaka to behave erratically at school but her behaviour attracts the attention of her friends who rally to support her. Marco presses Christina to set a wedding date.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Nicholas Garsden as Marco, Craig Wing as Diego, Sharon Muskat as Juanita, Barry Donnelly as Mr. Harrison, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Damian Monk as as Arnie, Sean Garlick as Constable Withers

Episode 1.07

Written by Leon Saunders
Directed by Shirley Barrett

Low morale threatens to destroy the school's poorly performing soccer team until Christina seeks help from Nick's father, a former international player, who reluctantly becomes involved. Deloraine's efforts to get Hartley designated a "disadvantaged" school in order to get more funding backfires when a reporter takes his comments out of context. Spurned on by being labelled "intellectually inferior", Hartley's new debating team (composed of Rose, Con, and Chaka) faces off against another school on the merits of Australia becoming a republic.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Christopher Baz as Longley, Russell Byne as Davo, Tim Campbell & Sarah Chivell as Debating Team

Episode 1.08

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Shirley Barrett

George, Nick, and Effie are devastated by Ireni's sudden and tragic death. Steve's disclosure to Nick of information about his mother's car accident pushes Nick further along a destructive path that ends with him assaulting a police officer.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Barbara Gouskos as Helen, Francesco Coudullo as Roberto, Matthew Lilley as Constable Palazzi, Mark Fitzpatrick as Ray Morgan, Father Con as Priest

Episode 1.09

Written by Tony Morphett
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Con tries to get new uniforms for the soccer team in time for their last match while his mother arranges for a housekeeper to help out at the Poulos' home. Steve is forced to miss rugby training to sit an exam — a decision that upsets Southgate, his coach, and threatens Steve's spot on the team.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Patrick Thompson as Sime, Jon Pollard as Bolton

Episode 1.10

Written by Joan Sauers
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Nick hits Jodie after she confesses to a romantic fling while in Melbourne. Christina's future with Marco is thrown into doubt when he announces a promotion that will take him to Perth. A new Drama teacher arrives at Hartley and quickly attracts the attentions of his female colleagues and students.©tzuk

Guest Star: Peter Phelps as Phil North

Guest Cast: Nicholas Garsden as Marco, David Lane as Louis

Episode 1.11

Written by Margaret Kelly
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Mr North confides a secret about his past to Rose, who has a crush on him. Stella quits as the Poulos' housekeeper after getting into an argument with George in which he questions her decision to leave her failed marriage. Steve and Rivers are forced to work together when they are given the task of cleaning up the schoolyard after Deloraine catches them fighting.©tzuk

Guest Star: Peter Phelps as Phil North

Guest Cast: John Pollard [sic] as Bolton

Episode 1.12

Written by Margaret Kelly
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Yola's attempt to cousel Danielle's pregnant 15-year-old sister causes a professional crisis when the girl's condition becomes known to her parents. Rose spots Christina and Phil cavorting on the beach. On their first official date, Rivers takes Chaka to an expensive restaurant.©tzuk

Guest Star: Peter Phelps as Phil North

Guest Cast: Jennifer Hardy as Nicole, Giordano Gangle as Waiter, John Paramor as Geoff Miller, Jon Pollard as Bolton

Note: Steve and Danielle have been dating for 18 months; Yola is 30 years old.

Episode 1.13

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Ian Gilmour

After learning about Phil's past relationship with a student, Christina decides they can have no future together and Phil makes the decision to resign. Jodie rallies her fellow students to save the school's music programme. Nick's father invites Jodie to stay at the Poulos' home while her rowdy sister is in town.©tzuk

Guest Star: Peter Phelps as Phil North

Guest Cast: John Clayton as Don Summers

Episode 1.14

Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Verbal and physical harassment over a misconstrued encounter with a young student causes Graham to have doubts about continuing to teach at Hartley. Chaka's father speaks to the students about oppression and violence. Chaka makes the difficult decision about whether to remain at Hartley or move north to Darwin with her family.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Geoff Morrell as Allan Masters, Ryan O'Hara as John Masters, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Frederick Miragliotta as Jorge Cardenes, Jason Leeuw as Boy 1, Owen Walsh as Boy 2

Note: guest star Frederick Miragliotta will return in series 6 as a regular

Episode 1.15

Written by Craig Wilkins
Directed by Shirley Barrett

Rose and Jack's friends try to get them together before the school dance. Yola and Southgate are locked in a storage cupboard. Rivers gets Rose drunk while Con arranges for Jodie to perform at the dance but Nick has to pay the price. George invites Stella to move in.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Kulcha (the band), Joy Smithers as Cassandra, Lynda O'Brien as Teacher

Episode 1.16

Written by James Lee
Directed by Shirley Barrett

Stella's wild daughter Katerina shows up unexpectedly and starts making life difficult for both her mother and Nick. Rose's strict father forbids her to continue dating Jack.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Sal Sharah as Frank, Luke Battah as Paul

Note: Ada Nicademou joins the main cast

Episode 1.17

Written by James Lee
Directed by Shirley Barrett

Already burdened by issues in his personal life, Southgate decides to resign after he reacts violently during a confrontation with Katerina who has started attending Hartley. Yola's involvement with a married man bothers Christina. Con heads up the effort to make a video clip for Jodie's latest song but the footage he gets is much more powerful.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Ned Manning as Marty, Yvette Alcott as Tracey, Jeremy Greenwood as Daniel

Episode 1.18

Written by Helen Steel
Directed by Andrew Prowse

The head gardener at the nursery where Nick and Danielle are participating in the school's work experience programme has a heart attack. Con arranges for Jodie and himself to work at a recording studio and also lands her a job singing advertising jingles. A lack of attention from their respective partners helps to bring Nick and Dani together. With dreams of moving to Greece, Katerina attempts to reunite her parents.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Graham Rouse as Mr. Warne, Nic Gazzano as Dimitri, Quinton George as Jay McBride, Alexandra Brunning as Elvie.

Note: guest star Alexandra Brunning is brought back later in the series as Lucy Weston

Episode 1.19

Written by Peter Neale
Directed by Karl Zwicky

While trying to earn some extra money, Rivers unknowingly buys some stolen car parts though Con but refuses to name his supplier when the police charge him. Nick is conflicted when Steve confides in him that he thinks Danielle is seeing someone else — an accusation Jodie also makes against Nick. Con clears Rivers' name but pays the price.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Robyn Moase as Bonnie Rivers, Ron Graham as Det. Monaghan, Alan Cinis as Wozza

Episode 1.20

Written by Leon Saunders
Directed by Karl Zwicky

While serving as Acting Principal, Southgate institutes a series of strict policy changes as a means of preventing the possible closure of the school. Steve learns of Nick and Danielle's blossoming relationship while on a school trip and lands in hospital after a scuffle with Nick. ©tzuk

Guest Cast: John Clayton as Don Summers

Episode 1.21

Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Ian Gilmour

A phantom blader plays a cat-and-mouse game with Southgate after the Acting Principal bans inline skating at Hartley. Tensions are palpable among members of the gang. Jack's grades earn him an invitation to attend a selective highschool. Con organises a rollerblading exhibition in the schoolyard — with Southgate's full approval.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Jon Pollard as Bolton, Ron Graham as Detective Monaghan, Fatt Bob as Panel Beaters' manager, Rocky McDonald as Stunt Co-Ordinator; Callan Muvley, Blake Read, and Lorna Cartwright as Doubles

Note: Callan Mulvey, the skating double for Scott Major, will join the cast in series 5 as Bogdan Drazic, one of the later series' most iconic characters

Episode 1.22

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Ian Gilmour

After Rose announces to her classmates that she is pregnant, Nick invites her to move into the Poulos home until her father, who does not want her to keep the baby, changes his mind and allows her to come back home. Stella teaches George to dance when he agrees to accompany her to a party. Jodie's producer tries to move Con out of the way as he makes his move on her. Steve rejects Nick's olive branch.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Quinton George as Jay McBride, Sal Sharah as Frank Malouf

Episode 1.23

Written by Chris Roach
Directed by Shirley Barrett.

Con pressures Jodie into entering a televised "rising stars" contest but then must come up with another act when she backs out at the last minute. Nick gets upset with Con when he hears rumours that he and Jodie are an item. A bet with Steve drives Rivers to break into the school to steal an exam. Danielle applies for a job as an aerobics instructor at a gym hoping to please Nick.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Andrea Moor as Greta, Charmaine Grey as P.A., Barry Crocker as Compere, Bernard King as Judge #1, Diana Fisher as Judge #2

Note: Andrea Moor returns in series 6 as Principal Di Barnett

Episode 1.24

Written by Craig Wilkins
Directed by Shirley Barrett.

Nick's election as Class Captain puts him in direct conflict with Southgate when he is forced to come down on his friends for violating school policies. Con discovers that the new woman in his life has a child. Sides form up when the issue of installing condom machines in the school bathrooms is proposed.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Andrea Moor as Greta, Brittany Byrnes as Rachel, Kerrie Adams as Mrs. Bishop, Karise Sawyer as Jonno

Note: Brittany Byrnes' first known television role

Episode 1.25

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Danielle's first foray into modelling goes awry when the photographer manipulates her into posing nude. Con breaks up with Greta when he realises they want different things out of their relationship. Christine asks her friend to talk to the students about his medical work in Indonesia. Con's parents return from vacation and Principal Deloraine returns to Hartley.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Peter Kowitz as Mack Winston, Ivar Kants as Roberto, Barbara Gouskos as Helen, Andrea Moor as Greta, Gordon Weiss as Harry, Brittany Byrnes as Rachel

Episode 1.26

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Hurt by his parents' divorce and their apparent disregard for him, Steve decides to move out and gets an apartment with Jodie and Rivers who has his own reasons for wanting to leave home. A school project gives Effie the chance to learn about her family's past. Christina makes a decision about Mack's invitation to join him in working overseas.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Peter Kowitz as Mack Winston, Robyn Moase as Bonnie Rivers, Kerry Ella as Steve's Mum, Alan Lovell as Steve's Dad, Mathew Long as Councellor, Jim Kalimuris as Ianni, Frederick Santos as Tony

Note: the final episode for Sarah Lambert and Jan Adele. Hugh Baldwin's last episode as a regular but he returns for one episode in each of series 3 and 4. The warehouse location debuts

Episode 1.27

Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Steve, angry after learning that he was adopted, is caught stealing from his employer and the police are called. Danielle and Jodie fight over Nick. George announces to the family that he is leaving his job at the factory. Stella is furious when Katerina spends the night with Rivers while rumours circulate about Jodie and Steve.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Alan Lovell as Steve's Dad, Kerry Ella as Steve's Mum, Sean Garlick as Police Constable, Raymod Donald as Dog Catcher, Christopher Bancroft as Supermarket Supervisor, Sweep as Dog, Ivar Kants as Roberto (uncredited)

Episode 1.28

Written by Steve J. Spears
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Steve wants to keep a stray dog that befriends him but Deloraine and Rivers have other ideas. Stella invites Katerina to go with her to Greece but her increasing involvement with Rivers may keep her in Sydney. Nick is determined to get back together with Jodie.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Raymond Donald as Dog Catcher, Sweep as Dog

Note: Peta Toppano and Ada Nicodemou depart (Ada will return for episodes 54-130)

Episode 1.29

Written by Suzanne Hawley
Directed by Rob Marchand

George is hurt by Nick and Effie's less-than-enthusiastic reaction to his big announcement about an impending move. New teacher Sam Robinson arrives at Hartley High to fill the staffing vacancy created by Christina's departure. Effie runs away from home and winds up wandering the streets in King's Cross. Rivers bets Steve he can break the new teacher before the end of the day.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Kym Wilson as Sam Robinson, Leah Tansey as Lucky, Robyn McKenzie as Jane, Rob Hunter as Sleaze, Daniel Robey as Todd, Nicholas Forster as Rick

Note: Ivar Kants and Barbara Gouskos join the main cast. Kym Wilson debuts in a guest role before becoming a regular in episode 30

Episode 1.30

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Rob Marchand

With their father moving to Greece and their house up for sale, Nick and Effie move in with their uncle and aunt. Steve falls for a wealthy young woman who hires Helen Bordino to cater a dinner party for her parents. George lends the Bordinos the money Roberto needs for his business. Deloraine suspends Rivers when he sees him sexually harassing Sam.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Denise Kirby as Jacqui Weston, Joy Miller as Sonia Price, Colleen Fitzpatrick as Bibi Taggart, Paul Bertram as Noel, Tony Byrne as Auctioneer, Dorothy Tooker as Mrs. Trevor, Andrew Vial as Mr. Dunn, Jim Kalimeris as Ianni

Note: Nico Lathouris' last episode. Alexandra Brunning's second appearance but her first as Lucy Weston

Episode 1.31

Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Geoff Bennett

Roberto and Helen are upset to learn that Rocco, their eldest son, has returned from America without contacting them. Against Deloraine's instructions, Sam tries to get Rivers back in school. Lucy offers to help Steve find his birth parents. Southgate agrees to help Nick with his boxing training. Roberto isn't impressed by Rocco's new business venture.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Paul Rogers as Leo, Josh Picker as Tony, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Don Lazarus as Boxer, Manny Katts as Al Waters, Sean Garlick as Constable

Note: the Shark Pool location debuts

Episode 1.32

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Geoffrey Bennett

Lucy encourages Steve to continue searching for his birth mother even though contacting her is prohibited by law. Rivers' imprisoned father convinces him to return to school. Effie contemplates dating an unpopular classmate. Nick accepts a rematch against Tony.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Don Halbert as Joe [Snr Constable Lawrence], Russell Kiefel as Norm Rivers, Josh Picker as Tony, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Ryan Lappin as Bart, Jan Merriman as Lorraine, Peter Heath as Mr. Morris, Jennifer Leslie as Register Clerk, Maree-Cherie Foti as Gina, Jenny Apostolou as Roxanne

Note: Don Halbert's first guest appearance as Snr Constable Joe Lawrence

Episode 1.33

Written by James Lee
Directed by Andrew Prowse.

Rose's pregnancy complicates plans to host the prestigious Education Awards at Hartley High. When Rose faints in the classroom, Deloraine jumps at Sam's suggestion that it could be easier on Rose to be studying from home. Con confronts his father after learning he lent Rocco money to help get the Shark Pool up and running rather than paying for the audio engineering course Con was interested in. Rose's friends rally behind her when Deloraine asks her not to participate in the awards ceremony. Yola lashes out at Joe for missing their date, unaware of the details behind his absence.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Don Halbert as Joe, John Paramor as Mr. Miller, Jennifer Hardy as Nicole, John Clayton as Don Summers, Josh Picker as Tony, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Maree-Cherie Foti as Gina, Jenny Apostolou as Roxanne, Mala Salakas as Mrs. Muhammod, Rose Frasca as Mrs. Musumeci

Episode 1.34

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Steve discovers that the person who has been following him is his birth mother. How she learned where to find him is an even bigger surprise. Rocco offers Con a job helping manage the pool hall but then hires Jodie. Rivers' pursuit of Sam continues as he takes it upon himself to fix her motorcycle.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Don Halbert as Joe, Jan Merriman as Lorraine, Jon Pollard as Bolton

Note: the episode's end credits are duplicated from episode 1.33, I've posted a correct version above

Episode 1.35

Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Con is discovered to have drugs in his possession when the police raid a party at the warehouse. Rivers' relationship with Sam moves into dangerous territory. Nick makes his amatuer boxing debut against Tony at the Shark Pool and wins by knockout. Con's friends try to prove his innocence.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Don Halbert as Joe, Josh Picker as Tony, Paul Rogers as Leo, Ron Graham as Detective Monaghan, Timothy West as Alexander, Tara Jakszewicz as Tanya, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Nadar Hamdan as Nick's Boxing Double, David Boyne as Tony's Trainer

Note: Tara Jakszewicz makes an early guest appearance before returning in series 4 in a starring role

Episode 1.36

Written by Sally Web
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Sam and Rivers continue their illicit affair despite warnings from Yola. They must eventually pay the price when their romance is made public and Sam is forced to leave her job at Hartley. Nick agrees to let Leo Fine manage him as a professional boxer but the decision costs him Jodie (who doesn't want him fighting) when she calls an end to their relationship.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Don Halbert as Joe, Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Alexandra Brunning as Lucy, Paul Rogers as Leo, Josh Picker as Tony, Robyn Moase as Bonnie, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Ryan Lappin as Bart, Sasha Guberinic as Yob 1, Rudi Baker as Yob 2

Episode 1.37

Written by Leon Saunders
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Nick refuses to believe that his relationship with Jodie is over. Deloraine's office is trashed and Rivers is quickly picked as the likely suspect. Rose gives birth to a daughter in dramatic fashion at school. Rocco gets Jodie a job singing backup for a band that is about to set off on an American tour.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Don Halbert as Joe, Paul Rogers as Leo, Tai Nguyen as Jack, Sal Sharah as Frank Malouf, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Nick Meredith, Wally Budal, Simon Denny & Otto Perosi as "Decoy", Alan Macnamara as Kovsky, Nada Hamdan as Nick Double, Emily & Nicola Freedman as Baby Tess, Frank Aldridge as Gym Attendant

Episode 1.38

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Nick sets out to win Jodie back before she leaves for the States. To no avail, Roberto tries to get Nick to drop out of his forthcoming professional bout. After a talk with Yola, Rose's father agrees to let Jack be involved in his daughter's life. Nick's fight comes to a tragic end.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Angelo D'Angelo as Rocco, Tai Nguyen as Jack, Don Halbert as Joe, Sal Sharah as Frank Malouf, Paul Rogers as Leo, Alan MacNamara as Kovsky, Jon Pollard as Bolton, Katerina Baltar as Mary Margaret, Frank Aldridge as Gym Attendant, Rachel Keary as Nurse, Nada Hamdan as Nick Boxing Double, Johnny Atherton as Referee, Emily & Nicola Freedman as Baby Tess, Nick Meredith, Wally Budal, Simon Denny & Otto Perosi as "Decoy"