australian television information archive

Episode 5.01 (92)

Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Andrew Prowse

While Hartley High teachers and students are learning to cope with the loss of their computer room in the muck-up day fire, Bolton is feeling betrayed when he finds out that his greatest ally, Hartley High principal June Dyson, has decided to leave Hartley to move to Queensland with her son Gary. Stassy's friendship with Declan begins to wear on Matt who is not pleased about the two working together to compose music for one of Stassy's poems. Matt confronts Declan about Stassy but it is only when Matt finally reads Stassy's poem that he comes to accept that his relationship with Stassy is over. Katerina recruits Charlie to retrieve Con's leased mobile phone from the time capsule. When they finally locate and exhume the time capsule, they are surprised to discover the phone is missing. The mystery is revealed when Kat and Charlie decide to dial the number.

Starring: Vince Poletto, Ada Nicodemou, Jon Pollard, Rupert Reid, Sebastian Goldspink, Tara Jakszewicz, Deni Gordon, Barbara Gouskos, Ivar Kants

Guest Cast: Marc Gray as Gary Dyson, John Tutt as Council Worker

Episode 5.02 (93)

Written by Suzanne Hawley
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Exam time has rolled around and the pressure on the students is building. Charlie is especially under the hammer. He needs top marks to get into university, but his computer breaks down and the ones at the school are booked solid. Under the gun, Charlie resorts to a dangerous pharmacological solution that nearly sends him over the edge. Ronnie is concerned when Declan is unable to finish an HSC practice essay. Although he won't admit it to anyone, Declan's domestic situation looks like it will destroy his chances in the HSC. Bolton is feeling the hot breath of exam panic as well. After a high school career consisting of little study and lots of skiving, he is finally facing the HSC firing squad. Unwilling to put in the hours studying, he joins with Stassy and classmate Bazza to buy an exam paper but when they only receive the questions, they are back to square one.

Guest Cast: Elaine Lee as Maria Costello, Alan Cinis as Stan, Richard Cass as Bazza, Peter Sommerfeld as Doctor, John Benjamin as Chemist, Anthony Doyle as Pushed Patron, Talia Vueti as Girl 1, Alison Cornish as Girl 2

Episode 5.03 (94)

Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Richard Jasek

The Bordinos are overjoyed when Con returns from America bearing gifts and stories of his successes in real estate. There are expectations for him to return to the family business and resume his relationship with Katerina but all of that changes when Con stuns his family by introducing them to his new wife. Needing a friend, Katerina turns to Charlie whom she was quick to push away when Con returned. Ronnie is concerned when Declan does not turn up to the first exam of the HSC. When she investigates, Declan tells her he has been looking after his sick mum prompting Ronnie help him find care from his mother so he can resit the exam. When he shows no interest in the second exam, the truth finally comes out. Bolton has had a tough time in the first exam, so, desperate for help, he steals Stassy's lucky crystal.

Guest Cast: Salvatore Coco as Con Bordino, Annalise Braakensiek as Stephanie, David Kerslake as Phil Myers

Episode 5.04 (95)

Written by Alexa Wyatt
Directed by Richard Jasek

It is time for the end-of-year Formal but Hartley can't afford to hold one having decided to spend the money on new computers instead. Without an event, the kids seek out their own solutions. Stassy goes to her cousin's private school Formal, bringing Katerina and Charlie. Jealous at seeing Stassy enjoying herself with a mysterious new guy, Matt gets drunk and turns up at the Formal where he makes a scene. Tired of having Katerina walk all over him, Charlie finally stands up for himself. Declan is roped into a night at Ronnie's house — the cheap alternative to a Formal. It promises to be the most boring evening of his life, and it is made worse when the only arrivals are him and Melanie, the school dag who has a crush on him. Bolton is determined to organise the world's biggest beach party. After the gang's assorted misadventures, everyone ends up back at the Shark Pool for an informal Formal. Encouraged by his party-planning success, Bolton announces he is leaving for Canberra to become a big-time event organiser.

Guest Cast: Chris Sadrinna as Andre, Chris Hanrahan as Frank

Note: Rebecca Smart quietly joins the cast while Jon Pollard exits. He was the last actor standing of those who appeared in episode 1.

Episode 5.05 (96)

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Geoff Bennett

The Bordinos pack up to go on a vacation to Europe and America. Roberto receives a purchase offer for the Shark Pool and accepts. What he does not know is that the new owner is Leo Fine who has big plans for turning the Shark Pool into a licensed nightclub — a place where underage kids are expressly not allowed. Leo's first act is to sack Declan and turf the gang out. To appease Roberto, Leo agrees to let the kids stay on until the club's liquor license comes through — which the kids are determined to prevent from happening. In need of a job, Declan gets a job painting the school. When Matt learns that Melanie's father is Leo's financial advisor — and is the one who set up the sale of the Shark Pool — Matt talks Declan into playing up to Melanie to save the Shark Pool. Charlie leaves home and talks Stassy into letting him move into the warehouse. Katerina isn't keen on his new living arrangements and decides to stay and move in with Charlie — a decision Helen and Roberto are steadfast against, Charlie too. Stassy goes in undercover to the Shark Pool to expose Leo's illegal gambling set-up. Melanie can't convince her father to stop Leo from closing the Shark Pool but Stassy's incriminating videotape does the job. With the Shark Pool saved, Declan admits to Melanie he used her but insists he still wants to be friends.

Guest Cast: Paul Rogers as Leo Fine, Jim Holt as Mr. Black, Warren Coleman as Eric, Deborah Foster as House Wife

Note: Ivar Kants and Barbara Gouskos depart. They debuted as regulars in episode 29 but started before this in guest roles, Ivar Kants in 25 and Barbara Gouskos in 8.

Episode 5.06 (97)

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Geoff Bennett

It's HSC results day and the gang await their scores with trepidation and excitement. Confident, Matt makes plans for his and Stassy's future together. But Stassy fails and her father turns up to ensure she abide by their agreement and move back home. For Stassy this is the end of her life as she knows it. After getting her scores, Katerina, previously intent on going to business college, suddenly changes course and puts all her effort into a dancing career. She becomes annoyed with Charlie when he decides to repeat year 12 to get a better score. Declan confronts his boss about ripping off the Education Department. Eric offers him a deal and Declan, attracted by the money, finds he has been bought off. Melanie has a go at Declan about it and Declan finally confronts Eric but this time finds himself out of a job. Matt has decided to take a year off to see the country and convinces Stassy to come with him. Katerina decides to repeat year 12 with Charlie and get's her aunt's permission to move in with Charlie at the warehouse.

Guest Cast: Anna Volska as Aunty Magda, Vincent Gil as Boris, Warren Coleman as Eric, Bridge Andrews as Director, Leah Howard as Choreographer, Kylie Watson as Dancer 1, Fleur Denny as Dancer 2

Note: the cast changes continue as Vince Poletto and Tara Jakszewicz depart marking the end of the show's middle era

Episode 5.07 (98)

Written by Leon Saunders
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Charlie accepts a job from Leo working at the Shark Pool so he can pay for his new car — purchased from Leo. Anita Scheppers is taken aback by the unexpected appearance of her brother Ryan. With his mother now in care, Declan finds himself kicked out of their apartment. But with Charlie and Katerina in need of a roommate at the warehouse, Declan quickly finds a new home. Melanie and Anita find a purse on the beach and go to the trouble of returning it to the owner only to later be accused of theft. When Ryan's mother learns he has failed the HSC, she insists that he return to school if he wants to move back home. After a trouble-free test drive with Leo, Charlie later realises he is the owner of a lemon with the original parts now swapped out for defective ones. With help from Ryan, Charlie gets the parts he paid for.©tzuk

Starring: Rel Hunt, Ada Nicodemou, Rebecca Smart, Rupert Reid, Sebastian Goldspink, Lara Cox, Deni Gordon, Tina Bursill

Guest Cast: Paul Rogers as Leo Fine, Elaine Lee as Maria Costello, Sean Garlick as Constable Moran, Alan Cinis as Stan, Brenda Senders as Gran Gilbert, Elizabeth Richmond as Sarah Gilbert, John Layoun as Man on beach

Note: this episode marks a turning point in the series as it transitions to a new cast with Lara Cox, Rel Hunt, and Tina Bursill joining in this episode and Callan Mulvey and Peter Sumner joining in the next episode. Lara Cox and Callan Mulvey will go on the be the longest serving actors on the show

Episode 5.08 (99)

Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Andrew Prowse.

A new school year begins at Hartley High and the new acting principal, Les Bailey, begins by laying down the law by introducing a series of strict guidelines. He recruits Melanie to be his new student liaison officer but Melanie's excitement quickly disappears when she realises Bailey is less interested in using her to communicate with the other students as he is in having her help him maintain order. Ryan has a series of confrontations with new student Bogdan Drazic. Drazic quickly becomes Bailey's first target for discipline but it is Melanie who is the first to be suspended after Drazic plants cigarettes in her bag as payback for being a narc. Upon returning to school, Melanie's first official act is to resign. Having been named the new manager of the Shark Pool, Katerina decides to bring her organisational skills to the warehouse where she creates a duty roster for Charlie and Declan.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Paul Rogers as Leo Fine, Lewis Williams as Ox, Bianca Russo as Kissing Girl, Whatarangi Rogers as Kissing Boy, Andy Clarke as Stunt Bus Driver

Note: Callan Mulvey and Peter Sumner join the cast bookending the opening credits

Episode 5.09 (100)

Written by Vicki Madden-Custo
Directed by Daphne Paris

A heat wave has everyone on edge. Melanie's father surprises her with a new car but her concern about how her friends will react to this display of wealth gives her a reason to avoid getting her license. Bailey cracks down on the students' activities during their free periods, demanding they spend their free time studying. When Bailey attempts to extend his control to Ryan's home life, Hilary defends her son but when he is brought home by the police after getting in a fight, Hilary grounds both Ryan and Anita for abusing her trust. Angered at being punished for Ryan's actions, Anita leaves home. Unaware of Declan's domestic situation, Bailey accuses Declan's parents of not taking an interest in his life infuriating Declan and causing him to walk away from school. After Ronnie explains things, Bailey seeks out Declan to apologise and encourages him to return to school. Despite Charlie's jealousy, Katerina puts up with Drazic's annoying flirtations given Drazic's promise that he can help cool off the warehouse. Unfortunately he brings them a ceiling fan stolen from the school.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Mr Black, Geoffrey Perry as Constable Watson, Ilma Edgecombe as Female Teacher, Allan Lim as Male Teacher

Episode 5.10 (101)

Written by Phil McAloon
Directed by Daphne Paris

Ronnie has broadened the Hartley curriculum with an art class. Everything goes well at first, with Charlie and other devotees of art and easy marks spending their lessons drawing a life model. The boys of Hartley High love the new direction the art class is taking and flock to enrol but when the model's drape hits the floor, Les Bailey's blood pressure hits the roof. There is trouble at the warehouse when Charlie forgets that it is the six-month anniversary of his first date with Katerina. Things go from bad to totally awful when Katerina also suspects that Charlie is taking more than an artistic interest in the art class model. In stark contrast to the argy bargy of everyday school life, Declan is adjusting to being in the work force. When he takes a job as a nurses' aid at the local hospital, Declan thinks he has finally found his true vocation, but he is in for some very unpleasant surprises. When life doesn't measure up to his expectations, Declan must decide where this future is headed.©tzuk

Guest Cast: Loene Carmen as Sophie, Julie Herbert as Mrs Brannigan, John Griffiths as Dr Hayward, Zenovia Phokos as Art Class Girl, Neil Christopher as Orderly, Tracey Baxter as Nurse, Lindsay McCormack as Male Model [Lindsay]

Episode 5.11 (102)

Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Karl Zwicky

There is trouble in the Scheppers household when Ryan and Anita's estranged father arrives. Jeff has brought a gift for Anita (her grandmother's wedding ring) and seems to want to patch things up with her. Anita is pleased with her father's renewed attention, but she is in for a disappointment when it seems her father is more interested in his relationship with Ryan who feels his father abandoned him. Drazic "borrows" Charlie's car and smashes into the back of principal Bailey's car while hooning around the school parking lot. Charlie is keen to turn himself and Drazic in but Drazic thinks this is a dud idea and threatens Charlie not to reveal the truth. Over at the Shark Pool, Melanie is filling in for Declan. Katerina takes advantage of Melanie's inexperience by making her do all the horrible jobs to save money on cleaners. At first Melanie obeys Katerina's every whim, but then she discovers she is being used and decides to exact a terrible revenge.

Guest Cast: Andrew McFarlane as Jeff Scheppers

Episode 5.12 (103)

Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Karl Zwicky

Katerina talks a forlorn Melanie into throwing a lavish party in an effort to increase her popularity. Melanie spends big on her credit cards, and initially the cost seems worth it, however, when her father's video camera gets broken and Katerina's new dress gets ruined, Melanie realises that she has spent way beyond her means and soon learns you can't buy friends. Melanie, who is holding a torch for Ryan, hopes buying him an expensive silver pendant will bring him closer to her, but is dismayed when Ryan tries to give it back. Ryan decides to move back to Newcastle with his father after Jeff asks him to become his business partner. When Jeff says that they will need to mortgage the land Ryan's grandfather left to him to expand the business, Ryan is shocked and concludes that his father came back for the money and not for him. When he confronts his father, Jeff is hurt and urges Ryan to forget the business and keep the money. Ryan realises he values his friends at Hartley and decides to stay. Charlie gets hauled up to play beach volleyball against Drazic who humiliates him. Charlie feels hopeless but Les urges him to give the game another go.

Guest Cast: Andrew McFarlane as Jeff Scheppers, Jim Holt as Tony Black, Kristy Shaw as Shop Assistant

Episode 5.13 (104)

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Andrew Prowse

A new student, the sharp and sassy Mai Hem, baffles everyone when she agrees with Drazic after he makes pointed racist slurs. While co-editing the school's revived magazine with Melanie, Mai "fixes" Melanie's copy to include an inflamatory article about Katerina ("Passed sex, failed maths, how lust cost me a year of my life") and accuses Drazic and Bailey of racism. Les comes down hard on Melanie and Ronnie and his job comes under threat after the allegations become public, leading him to want to ban the paper. Ronnie talks him into letting the girls continue but Mai walks away from the paper — she's made her point. Declan is on a high after being accepted into a nursing program. Then, while walking home, he witnesses an accident. He responds willingly to calls for help but on seeing the seriously injured child, he freezes. He has a crisis of confidence about his chosen career and decides he's not cut out for it until Hilary makes him see it as par for the course. Charlie, now keen on beach volleyball, hassles Ryan into being his partner. Ryan only does it to impress Mai, and the pair very nearly beat Drazic and his mate Bazza.

Guest Cast: Nina Liu as Mai Hem, Richard Cass as Bazza, Shayne Francis as Policewoman, Daniel Law as Lei, Brett Middlin as Volleyballer, Marilyn Thomas as Female Driver, Duane Johnstone as Injured Boy, Lelani Happ as Sick Child, Eleni Batley as Child Patient

Note: Nina Liu joins the cast (starting in a guest role for this episode only) and Rupert Reid departs (he started in ep 72)

Episode 5.14 (105)

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Principal Bailey has entered Hartley in an inter-school volleyball competition. For Charlie, it is a dream come true: a chance to develop his skills and represent his school. Les has other plans however, he wants to win and manoeuvres Charlie and Bazza off the team. Volleyball makes strange bedfellows and soon Hartley is represented by the oddest of odd couples: Drazic and Ryan. The two rivals don't last long together and Bailey is soon asking Charlie to rejoin the team after Ryan quits. When Mai discovers that Anita has a passion for animal rights, she sees a golden opportunity to indulge in her favourite hobby: stirring. She encourages Anita to join her in a protest outside a human rights conference where the organiser attends wearing an expensive fur coat. Anita believes the protest will just involve them waving banners and shouting slogans, but when Mai sprays the woman with paint, it is Anita who gets left behind to answer to the police. Over at the warehouse, Katerina and Charlie are desperate. They are down to their last tin of baked beans and will be lucky to afford next week's rent. Unfortunately, the hunt for a new flatmate conflicts with Charlie's volleyball commitments leaving Katerina to find the ideal flatmate on her own.

Guest Cast: Mark Kounnas as P.C. Perugia, Richard Cass as Bazza, Marilyn Mayo as Conference Delegate, David Stanley as Jimmy, Matthew Ryan as Nigel, Kristen Dahgg as Robby, Lewis Williams as Ox, Brett Middlin as Volleyballer

Episode 5.15 (106)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Les hands out an environmental project which pairs Anita with Drazic. Anita can't imagine anything worse but can't get out of the arrangement despite having to fend off Drazic when he tries to sleaze onto her. Forced to work with Drazic, Anita starts to see another side of him, noticing that he always seems to clown around in class to avoid reading out loud. Talking about her concerns, Hilary suggests Drazic may have a learning disability while Ronnie thinks Drazic may have a mild form of dyslexia. Anita finally convinces Drazic to take the necessary tests to make sure and offers to do some intensive remedial reading sessions with him. Drazic doesn't want her charity but she insists this isn't charity, she likes him and will go out with him to prove it.

Hurt and embarrassed after asking Mai out and being turned down, Ryan rationalises that her rebuff must be because she's gay. When Ryan explains his theory to Charlie, the rumour starts and begins to spread. Mai tolerates the situation for a while but when it threatens to get out of hand she confronts Ryan. When the misunderstandings are finally cleared up, Ryan has the effrontery to ask Mai out again.

Mai and Melanie are paired together for the environmental project. They approach the task from opposite angles with Mai seeking the easiest solution and Melanie shooting for top marks. Mai fills a bottle with outfall water and gets it analysed for pollutants while Melanie investigates why the local seagulls are dying around the outfall pipe. The water analysis shows little abnormality and Melanie is shocked to find it's a local lad who's shooting the birds. Mai scores the better mark, much to Melanie's chagrin.

Guest Cast: Daniel Rosen-Waine as Teenage Boy, Christian Vodika as Ryan's Basketball Partner

Episode 5.16 (107)

Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Katerina and Charlie are stunned when they find a baby on their doorstep. Now they are faced with a dilemma — they either have to find the mother or call the police and risk having the baby sent to an orphanage. As they become more and more attached to the baby, neither can bear the second option but with no clues, where should they start looking for the mother? Anita finds herself falling for Drazic but is afraid to reveal her feelings for him to her friends and, most of all, to her over-protective brother. When the situation comes to a head, Anita is left with a difficult choice — give up on Drazic or defy everyone in the pursuit of love. Elsewhere, Les Bailey has made a most gratifying discovery about his least favourite student. In a routine check of the files, he has unearthed evidence that Mai did not complete enough subjects at her previous school. Mai will not be allowed to complete the HSC unless she can prove that she knows enough about Geography to continue. Les challenges Mai to a test but Mai refuses. Who will win this battle of wills?

Guest Cast: Natalie Morcos as Lena, Jon & Brent Kelly as Baby Winston, Michael O'Dowd as Frank, Justin Whitham as Check-out Guy, Ilma Edgecombe as Mrs Pike

Episode 5.17 (108)

Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Malcolm McDonald

Ryan's best mate from Newcastle stays with the Scheppers while he's in town to attend a football tryout but everyone is concerned about his strange and aggressive behaviour. Trouble arises when Ryan finds out that Warren is taking steroids and Drazic pushes all the right buttons to set Warren off during a dinner at the Scheppers. Charlie decides to end his relationship with Katerina when he catches her flirting with Warren. Katerina misreads the seriousness of the situation and moves out of the warehouse to teach Charlie to appreciate her more. Charlie enjoys his freedom and uses the time to assess his feelings for Kat. Anita and Drazic's romance is blooming but Draz is driving a wedge between Anita and Melanie.

Guest Cast: Jason Clarke as Warren, Lewis Williams as Ox, DAne Butcher as Client

Note: when things get heated between Drazic and Warren, Drazic exclaims, "who do you think you are, the Terminator or something?". Jason Clarke would go on to star in Terminator Genisys in 2015 alongside the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Episode 5.18 (109)

Written by Lisa Hoppe
Directed by Malcolm McDonald

When Bailey decides to close the school newspaper to save money, Melanie and Mai settle in for a fight. Mai sets up an interview with the Minister for Education and tells Melanie that they have permission to take the day off to do it when they don't. Running late, Mai goads Mel into hitchhiking but the girls become worried about their driver's intentions when he starts to take them into a deserted industrial site. Anita and Drazic's relationship is going strong, much to Ryan's annoyance. Anita persuades Drazic to perform a scene from A Mid Summer Nights Dream for the class but when he isn't doing too well in rehearsal, Anita finds a novel way to turn their scene into a success. Life in the warehouse becomes strained when Charlie and Katerina break up, again.

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Mr. Black, Richard Sutherland as Lou, Joanne Cramer as Class Kid.

Episode 5.19 (110)

Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Andrew Prowse

During a class discussion about the "battle of the sexes," Ryan indicates that he prefers strong, intelligent and independant women. Mai and Melanie decide to put him to the test and write him up as a "case study of the sexist male" in the school magazine. When Ryan starts passing her test, Mai finds she is attracted to him. Melanie, feeling jealous, takes action to ruin any chance Mai has with Ryan. After visiting a supermarket, Drazic reveals to Anita he has stolen a carton of cigarettes. When Anita starts doing the same thing, she is caught by an irate store manager. Drazic rushes to her aide but in helping Anita get away, he is caught. Anita is faced with the dilemma of turning herself in to save Drazic or saving herself and leaving Drazic to take the rap. Les thinks it's time to embrace cyberspace and exhorts Ronnie and staff to do likewise. After turning down Charlie's request to buy new equipment for the school, Les purchases a computer that also runs an overhead projector apparatus. When he can't get the computer running, Les pulls Charlie out of class to enlist his help. Charlie discovers the problem and Les is left feeling very foolish.

Guest Cast: Adrian Bernotti as Store Manager, Grant Bennett as Police Officer, Jean Bain as Elderly Pensioner, Emine Mehmet as Checkou Operator, Nicholas McGrattan as Andy

Episode 5.20 (111)

Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Andrew Prowse

The Scheppers family is fraught with tension as Anita comes to terms with her impending court case. Anita shuns the support and care of her family and friends, preferring to turn to Drazic. However, when Drazic spurns her advances and ends their relationship, Anita is forced to face her fear of court and the magistrate alone. In court, the magistrate is tough. While Anita has her mother to speak on her behalf, Drazic is forced to rely on the help of a surprise ally. Katerina is miffed when she is overlooked for the upcoming inter-school quiz after Anita is forced to withdraw. When Ryan falls ill, Charlie and Melanie have no choice but to ask Katerina to fill in, despite their lack of confidence in her ability as a quiz whiz. Relations between Mai and Ryan are heating up. However, when Mai cooks a 'get-to-know-each-other' meal for Ryan things don't go quite as planned.

Guest Cast: Ron Haddrick as Magistrate, Josephine Oliveri as Duty Solicitor, John Douglas as Court Officer, Ray Rizzo as Police Prosecutor, Chris Kirby as Quizmaster, Peter Young as Rival Quiz Captain, Sabrina Petralia as College Player #2, Sophia Orellana as College Player #3

Episode 5.21 (112)

Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Richard Jasek

Katerina's dance instructor asks her to partner him in a competition piece and she soon finds herself falling for him. The feeling is obviously mutual but when Kat discovers that Blair is married with a child, she must decide if she will continue to see him or dissolve the relationship. Having to vacate the warehouse for an evening, Mai asks Ryan if she can stay the night at the Scheppers. Both have different ideas of how the evening should go and neither is right. Hilary is not impressed when she returns from her night shift the next morning to find Mai leaving — how will Ryan explain this one? Meanwhile, Drazic has been assigned his Community Service job and is mortified to find out he is to be the lollipop crossing guard at the local school. Melanie, annoyed that Anita is still in love with Drazic, puts all her energy into doubling Drazic's embarrassment.

Guest Cast: Paul Mercurio as Blair Baker, Edwina Bishop as Meryl, Shontelle Scott as Toddler, Richard Lindsell as Community Service Supervisor, Gezelle Byrnes as Emily Macintyre, Bob Winchester as Father, Shelly McShane as Dancer Girl #1, Kimberly Arnold as Dancer Girl #2, Talei Vuetti as Student #1, Daniel Law as Student #2

Episode 5.22 (113)

Written by Phil McAloon
Directed by Richard Jasek

Les vows to throw Ryan out of school if he doesn't smarten up and hand in all his overdue essays by the end of the week. In desperation, Ryan enlists Melanie's help. Their study session begin well enough but it soon becomes apparent that Ryan expects Melanie to do the work for him. If Melanie helps Ryan out, is there a chance that her feelings will finally be reciprocated or is she just allowing herself to be used? The Shark Pool is plunged into turmoil when Charlie and Katerina each unknowingly hire one of their friends for the same job. When the error is realised, Katerina decrees that Anita and Mai should both do the job for a week, unpaid of course, with the best worker keeping the job. Who will be left standing at the end? Drazic is not having any luck holding down his Community Service job. After attacking a school kid with his stop sign, he is banned forever from lollipop duty. Les saves the day by getting Drazic a job as a lifeguard at the local pool. Drazic lies about his qualifications but when there is an accident at the pool, everyone turns to Drazic to save the day.

Guest Cast: Bill Charlton as Arthur, Domenic Galati as Ron, Patricia Katts as Pool Woman, Stephen Scott as Drowning Swimmer, Ryan Tate as Kid Swimmer

Episode 5.23 (114)

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Life at Hartley High is turned upside down by the arrival of new teacher, Jay Jackson, and his daughter Aurora. Jay is no ordinary teacher, his methods are unorthodox to say the least, and his choice of house is odder still. Predictably, Les dislikes Jay from the beginning but his dislike intensifies when Jay decides he knows what's best for the Hartley students. When life lets you down, you can either put up with it or change it — and Melanie Black is sick of putting up with it — she no longer wants to be the victim. She discards her old way of life, that includes her look and her attitude as she goes through a physical and emotional transformation. However, in doing this, she treads on a lot of toes. Will this be Melanie's route to happiness? At the Scheppers' house, Ryan and Anita are grounded. To make matters worse, tickets are just about to go on sale for a concert by a breakthrough heavy metal band. If Ryan doesn't get the tickets, not only will he miss out on the concert of the year, he will also lose Mai. Beautiful, enigmatic new student Aurora has the attention of all the guys, but as far as Katerina is concerned, it is too soon for Charlie to be looking for another relationship.

Guest Cast: Brendan Higgins as Jay, Simone Kessell as Aurora, Rudi Baker as Ratchet

Episode 5.24 (115)

Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Ryan's world is turned on its head when he crashes Charlie's car en route to the concert with Mai and Anita. He and Mai escape the accident intact, but Anita is seriously injured and left in a coma. Ryan is plunged into a world of guilt and recrimination, not only is he facing criminal charges, but he also has to face the fact that Anita may die as a result of his actions. Melanie is also hitting the depths of a personal crisis. She has decided to leave Hartley High to join Jay in the pursuit of happiness and meaning in life. Melanie's dad not only tries to dissuade his daughter from joining Jay, but he is also determined to get Jay drummed out of his job for good. As Charlie grows closer to Aurora he is convinced that he has met his perfect match. However, all may not be as it seems, and Charlie is devastated when he sees Aurora in a passionate clinch with another man. Is this the end for Charlie and Aurora?

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Tony Black, Brendan Higgins as Jay, Simone Kessell as Aurora, John Griffiths as Doctor, Greg Baxter as Policeman, Jeremy Mascheronis as Kissing Boy

Episode 5.25 (116)

Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Andrew Prowse

When Les decides to hold adult education night classes at Hartley High, he has no idea just how disruptive they will be. He earns Mai's wrath when he bans the kids from the computer room after hours, effectively shutting down the school newspaper in the process. Ryan has little interest in helping Mai protest Les' decision but when he bans Ryan and his mates from playing basketball in the yard after school, Ryan decides that the only way to oppose Les is by calling a student strike. Mai is not impressed. She isn't sure that Ryan is calling the strike for the right reasons or that it will even work. With a school inspection and a permanent position at Hartley on the line, Les is in no mood to back down. At the warehouse, things are characteristically fraught. Katerina has invited Drazic to stay over and Charlie is furious. He thinks Drazic is the slobbish embodiment of the flatmate from hell. Mai and Katerina think otherwise. As far as they are concerned, Drazic is charm itself. When Drazic's impositions become too much to take, Charlie gives the girls an ultimatum. When they choose Drazic, Charlie finds himself in need of a new home. Anita is now almost fully recovered from the accident and cannot wait to get home from hospital. However, Hilary is reluctant to let her daughter resume her independence which makes Anita all the more determined.

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Tony Black, John Clayton as Inspector Summers, Lewis Williams as Ox, Mike Peros as Security Guard

Episode 5.26 (117)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Drazic and Charlie find themselves in a dangerous situation when they disturb a burglar at the school. Drazic wrestles with the burglar and is able to rip off his balaclava but when the boys' statements to the police vary, the detective decides one of them must be involved. Knowing the burglar is his friend Marco, Drazic must choose between protecting his friend and clearing Charlie who is on the hook after the police find stolen computer software in his locker. Melanie's father surprises her — he's organised for her to go to Paris for six months as an exchange student — and she leaves at the end of the week. Melanie is initially unsure, but everyone else's enthusiasm convinces her. Is this goodbye for Melanie? The Blood Bank is visiting Hartley High. Anita, having recently been in hospital, and Mai both think it's a great cause and set about rounding up volunteers. Ryan has had a life-long fear of needles, but not wishing to have Mai think he's a wimp, is conned into donating. When his phobia catches up with him, Ryan is backed into a corner — either confess his fear to Mai or overcome it. To help fund Melanie's trip, Katerina plunders the warehouse so she and Melanie can hold a garage sale. In her haste, Katerina sells an antique chair that belonged to Melanie's grandmother.

Guest Cast: Edmund Pegge as George Freedom, John McNeil as Detective Steele, John Tawadros as Marco, Vanessa Stuart as Nurse, Susie Zinno as Passer-by. Jim Holt as Tony Black [uncredited]

Episode 5.27 (118)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Charlie is worried when he notices that Anita is eating very little and vomiting after every meal. Reluctantly, he takes the problem to Hilary and the two decide to take action. Hilary admits Antia to hospital in order to shock her into eating properly again but will it work, and will Anita be able to forgive Charlie for his interferance? Ryan is getting restless. He has been going out with Mai for ages now but she seems reluctant to commit to the next obvious step in their relationship. Acting on Charlie's advice, Ryan decides to romance Mai. Sparing no expense, he hires a room in a classy hotel and puts on a special night for his beloved. Ryan is sure this will have the desired effect. Drazic is stunned when Katerina befriends the overweight class clown, Ox. In Drazic's opinion, Ox is the lowest of the low: fat and lousy at sport with a big mouth. But the more Ox takes from Drazic, the more Katerina likes him. Katerina discovers that Ox has a great sense of humour. For every jibe Drazic directs at Ox, Ox has a cleverer riposte. As Ox becomes aware of Katerina's growing warmth towards him, he tries to press the relationship further. Will he get what he wants, or will his heart be broken?

Guest Cast: Lewis Williams as Ox, Kelly McMaster as Shelley, Annabel Osborne as Emma, Danielle Korda as Cover Girl

Episode 5.28 (119)

Written by Kris Wyld
Directed by Lynne Hegarty

Les welcomes Omar, a new student originally from Lebanon, to Hartley. With Omar having been kicked out of two schools already, Les makes it clear that trouble makers will not be tolerated at Hartley. Omar assures Les that he just wants to study in peace but he gets off to a rocky start when he argues with Ronnie and walks out of class. Things get even worse in the yard when friction builds between Drazic, Charlie and Omar — it looks like his time at Hartley will be marred by confrontations. Charlie is becoming attracted to Anita but he doesn't know how to tell her. The situation gets worse when Charlie is asked to 'buddy' Omar during his first few days at Hartley High. Things are fine until Charlie begins to suspect that Omar is making a play for Anita, and when Anita falls for Omar, Charlie can't contain his jealousy and starts a fight with Omar. As difficult as things are at school, they are worse at the warehouse. Not only is Mai trying to come to terms with her break up with Ryan, but Katerina and Drazic are on a collision course after Drazic buys an electric guitar and insists on practising on full volume.

Guest Cast: Hani Malik as Omar, Shadia Ghazi as Ayesha, Michael Abdallah as Kid, Mark Kounnas as PC Perugia

Episode 5.29 (120)

Written by Peter Kinlock
Directed by Richard Jasek

With the lure of easy money and a glamorous lifestyle, Katerina buys into a pyramid scheme selling health food products. At first, everything goes well for the budding entrepreneur, however, when it comes time to pay up, suddenly her customers realise they have no money. In desperation, Katerina seizes upon her last chance — she will sell the health food products through the Shark Pool. What will Leo Fine think about the Shark Pool selling health foods — or Katerina taking $200 to finance her endeavour? Things are tense at the Scheppers' house with Charlie finding it increasingly difficult to live with Anita. It's not that he doesn't like her, in fact, just the opposite is true. Charlie is falling in love with his house-mate but doesn't know how to tell her. Encouraged by Ryan, Charlie finally manages to blurt out his true feelings only to face his worst fear — rejection. Hardened by the experience, Charlie decides to leave the Scheppers' house when Anita surprises him: she's had time to think and realises she may have spoke too soon. Things are looking rosy for the pair until Charlie realises they will have to tell Hilary about their relationship. When Les announces that the Science class will be disecting a rat, Drazic is horrified. He cannot believe that any animal deserves to die in the name of education and during one of his regular detentions after school, Drazic decides to liberate the rat from the science classroom.

Guest Cast: Paul Rogers as Leo Fine, Drayton Morley as Drew Morrison, Talai Vueti as Talai, Amber Virtue as Liz, Daniel Carlin as Parron

Episode 5.30 (121)

Written by Lisa Hoppe
Directed by Richard Jasek

Anita is shocked to discover that Hilary is dating a much younger man. She lets both Hilary and Tim know in no uncertain terms that she disapproves. Charlie unwittingly finds himself in the firing line when he reveals to Anita that he knew about the relationship much earlier but didn't tell her. Mai and Katerina are chosen to do work experience at a high-profile art gallery. Mai, with her sights set on a career in the industry, desperately tries to make a good impression but it is Katerina who endears herself to renowned art world figure, Michael McCarthy. Sick of seeing Ryan and Drazic at each other's throats, Les sets them a task designed to get them to co-operate with each other.

Guest Cast: Paul Bishop as Tim, Robert Davis as Michael McCarthy, Richard Cass as Bazza

Episode 5.31 (122)

Written by David Phillips
Directed by Geoff Bennett

It looks as if Drazic will be plucked from obscurity when he is spotted by a talent scout from an international blade skating team. But the path to fame and fortune is fraught with difficulties for Drazic. First, he has to prove he is good enough to be a member of the team — no easy task when he is up against some of the best bladers in the country. And even if Drazic does pass the test, will he be able to submit to the discipline and conformity required to be part of a team? Melanie surprises everyone when she unexpectedly returns from France and asks to move in with the Scheppers. Ryan is convinced that Melanie has come back to Australia because she is still infatuated with him and wants to start a relationship. As usual, Ryan has got it wrong. Mai and Katerina head up a campaign for a common room for the senior students. At first, Les opposes the idea of such a potentially dangerous and ill-disciplined hang-out for the year twelves, but eventually he backs down. Les will let the kids have their room, provided they clean it up, paint it and furnish it themselves. Also, and most importantly, Mai will be responsible for any misbehaviour in the room.

Guest Cast: Vanessa Steele as Teri Scott, Scott Crawford as Sabre, Adam Diakowsky as Scimitar

Episode 5.32 (123)

Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Geoff Bennett

Melanie's parent's wedding anniversary prompts her to reminisce about her mother who died three years previous. Her feelings of loss are exacerbated when she is unable to communicate them to her father. When she meets Grace, a homeless woman living on the school grounds, Melanie is drawn to her — subconsciously there is a hope that Grace will fill the void left by her mother. Drazic discovers being part of the roller blading promotions team is not all it's cracked up to be, however, quitting the team will cost him. Katerina and Charlie learn a hard lesson when their squabbles over a television set won off a raffle forces Mai to take action.

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Tony Black, Jennifer Leslie as Grace, Vanessa Steele as Teri Scott, Scott Crawford as Sabre, Adam Diakowsky as Scimitar, Daniel Carlin as Patron, Sue Alexander as Mrs Black

Episode 5.33 (124)

Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

The Council issues Charlie with an ultimatum — either he moves his car from the Scheppers footpath or they will tow it away. Charlie's problem is that the car doesn't work and he can't afford to fix it. Salvation comes from an unlikely source when Drazic offers to fix the car free of charge. Of course, Drazic has an ulterior motive — fixing the car gives him the perfect excuse to spend time close to Anita — will this be his way back into her heart? When Ronnie gets violently mugged on her way to school, she decides it's high time the girls of Hartley High were offered self defence training. The girls are excited about the idea… until they meet their intense instructor. At Hartley High, Les and Ryan find themselves unlikely allies in the struggle to have a pedestrian crossing put out the front of the school. After trying the legal method to no avail, Les decides to take the law into his own hands. Ryan joins his one man protest and soon student and principal are languishing in the lock-up of the Hartley Police Station.

Guest Cast: Jemma Wilkes as Kerry Marshall, Rona McLeod as Amanda, Stephen Bridges as Yob, Grant Bennett as Constable, Dar Davies as Mugger

Episode 5.34 (125)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

When Hilary's divorced friend Michelle gives Ryan a part time job at the marina, he cannot believe his luck — the job consists of sunshine, great views and big tips. However, Ryan is brought back down to earth when he realises he is being targeted as Michelle's toyboy. Will Ryan be able to fend off Michelle or will he have to leave the perfect job? Ronnie organises a sleepover at the school for the participants in the 40 Hour Famine. Charlie is enthusiastic until he realises Drazic will be there. He senses that Drazic is trying to reunite with Anita but is unaware they've already gotten back together and are just waiting for the right time to tell him. Unfortunately for Charlie, they won't get that chance.

Guest Cast: Arna Maria Winchester as Michelle Williams, Anthony Martin as Mr Walker, Lap Phan as Phan, Matt Penrose as Jason, Zenovia Phokos as Zen

Note: Arna Maria Winchester is the mother of Putu Winchester who will join the series in series 6 as Dennis

Episode 5.35 (126)

Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Catherine Millar

Anita and Drazic are back together but Hilary is adamant the relationship can't happen. When Anita threatens to leave home Hilary decides to confront Drazic, reminding him that their relationship violates the terms of his probation. Will Hilary's actions drive a wedge between her and Anita or is a compromise to be found? In the aftermath of the break up, Charlie announces that he is moving out of the Scheppers. He tells his friends he's moved back home but in reality he's moved closer to school, much closer. Charlie seems to be emotionally stable, but Melanie becomes suspicious of his state of mind when he turns up to school tired, unkempt and generally acting strangely. Mai, estranged from her family, is stunned when her father, who lives in Hong Kong, turns up at Hartley unannounced. While working on a performance art piece together, Katerina convinces Mai that family is important and she agrees to meet with him. Will she be disappointed once again?

Guest Cast: Kee Chan as John Tan, Richard Cass as Bazza, Janice Tong as John Tan's Secretary, Michael Raft as Pool Player, Samuel Jacq Le Hammoud as Courier

Episode 5.36 (127)

Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Catherine Millar

Anita has had it with Drazic. She has long known that he can be a boorish yobbo, but when he insults a blind guest teacher, she has finally had enough. Anita makes it clear that she will have nothing more to with Drazic until he learns to be more sympathetic and empathetic with the people he so happily persecutes in everyday life. Drazic is in quandary — how can he show Anita that he is suddenly a more sensitive and caring guy? The answer is in a pair of blacked-out sunglasses. When he fails Anita's challenge to "walk a mile" as a blind person, he decides to up the ante. He thinks it will be easy, but he is in for a shock.

Over at the Black household, Melanie and Charlie are about to become more than just good friends and flatmates. After a night on the town celebrating their success in a science test, Hartley High's two biggest nerds find nirvana in one another's arms. However, when Melanie's academic performance starts to slide, she decides to reassess their relationship. They decide to end things but the hardest part will be telling her father who has taken a liking to Charlie.

Katerina takes some candid snaps of Ryan in his swimming costume for her art class photography assignment. At first it looks like she has scored the photographic coup of the century, not only do Katerina's photos go down well in art class, they also sell like hotcakes among the girls of Hartley High. Katerina dismisses Ryan's complaint about being objectified but the tables are turned by Ryan who puts a personal ad for Katerina in a magazine describing her as desperate for a man.

Guest Cast: Jim Holt as Tony Black, Nicholas Holland as Peter Blair, Richard Cass as Bazza, Simon Elrahi as Danny, Scott Cameron as Roy, Elizabeth Baker as Old Lady, Stan Edwards as Shop Assistant, Michael Gittaney as Thug #1, Luke Davidson as Thug #2, Talei Veutti as Talei, Adam Swan as Boy Student

Episode 5.37 (128)

Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Nico Lathourus

Les gives an old mate and former colleague a break and appoints him as a specialist maths tutor for some struggling members of the HSC class. Tom's never had a student fail, but not having taught in some time, many of his methods are outdated. While Tom bonds with the guys, he singles out Katerina and belittles her in a mis guided effort to get her to do her best. However, it has the opposite effect and she becomes demoralised and contemplates leaving school. Ryan eventually realises what's happening and tries to intervene but Tom hits him — that's what they used to do in the old days. Strolling down the beach promenade, Mai is entranced by a good looking roller-blader nicknamed The Wizard who appears to spread a green philosophy via a series of stickers. Desperate to get to know him she's forced to enlist Drazic's help in order to learn to blade. Her initial attempts are dismal, even dangerous. Charlie and Anita broke up some time ago but it becomes increasingly clear that Charlie hasn't completely dealt with it yet. The issue is brought to a head through a series of role playing exercises between them conducted by Ronnie as preparation for job interviews. They finally work through the residual fallout and part as friends

Guest Cast: Gerard Maguire as Tom Harding, Blake Reid as The Wizard, Richard Cass as Bazza, Leanne Bruce as Mai's Stunt Double

Episode 5.38 (129)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Drazic and Anita have decided to take the next big step and move in together. They soon find the flat of their dreams, but are faced by one problem — they have no money. Drazic takes on extra after hours work with Leo Fine and at first, all seems to be well, the work is easy and the pay is very good, but it soon becomes obvious that Leo is involving Drazic in some very shady deals. Draz is faced with a dilemma — should he get out of the job or continue to enjoy the fruits of crime?

Les Bailey is a man on a mission. For the past ten years he has played an annual golf match against Don Summers. Every year Les has lost badly, but he is determined that this year will be different. However, before he can think about winning, Les has to hire a caddy, or, more accurately, he has to 'persuade' Charlie to haul his golf bag around after him. Can Charlie give Les the winning edge?

Katerina is puzzled. She is the best looking girl at Hartley High and Ryan Scheppers is the best looking guy, so why haven't they ended up going out together? Katerina decides to solve the problem straight away. This only catch is that according to Mai, Ryan only likes intellectually aware, artistic girls. Or is is the soft and demure, vulnerable type as Melanie suggests? Transforming herself will be the easy part, but is Ryan the type of guy that Katerina likes?

Guest Cast: Paul Rogers as Leo Fine, John Clayton as Don Summers, Victoria Wells as Estate Agent, Geoff Perry as Police Officer, John Flynn and Peter Wood as Driver's [sic], Heath Goldstein as Driver's Assistant

Episode 5.39 (130)

Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs

Les is appalled at the school's state of disrepair and demands that the Department take action. He is shocked however, when instead of renovating, they decide to close Hartley High. Les finds himself without a school, and without a job, but most distressing for him is the lack of any remorse from his senior students. Ryan and Drazic play a practical joke on Les by staging an accident. Les panics and calls an ambulance, but is furious to find that he has been tricked. He threatens to punish them but they laugh in his face — what can he do, he isn't their principal anymore. However, Les does have the last laugh — he's joining the kids at Hartey Heights.

To pay for a holiday in Queensland, Mai talks a reluctant Anita into delivering gorillagrams — guaranteed easy money. However they are dismayed to find themselves delivering a gorillagram to a bunch of senior boys from their new school, Hartley Heights. The pair realise the potential dangers in a seemingly innocent job when the boys want more for their money. Determined to prove Hartley High made a difference to someone, Melanie seeks out former students for an article in the final issue of the school paper. Katerina still loves Charlie but has no idea if he feels the same after everything she's put him through. Can she swallow her pride and tell him before she leaves Hartley for ever?

Guest Cast: John Clayton as Don Summers, Terry Bader as Ian Fenwick, James Happell as Harvey, Adam Marsden as Dashwood, Elise Goudie as Female Kisser, John Clingan as Male Kisser, Drew Kruck as Young Ian Fenwick

Note: the final episode for Ada Nicodemou, Sebastian Goldspink, Deni Gordon, and Hartley High itself.