australian television information archive

Little Fish

Episode 1.14
Australia: February 14, 2007 (Nine)
UK: March 08, 2007 (CBBC)
Written by Angela Webber
Directed by Ian Gilmour

It's Taylor's first day at high school, and she's confident that it will be everything she dreamed it would be. But her enthusiasm quickly dissolves as everything that can go wrong does go wrong. She loses Hector, misses the bus, and when she eventually makes it to school, she smells like rotten fish, with thanks to her mother's super de-stress aromatherapy ointment. Little does she know, it's only the beginning of her troubles…

Starring: Marny Kennedy as Taylor Fry, Nicholas Dunn as Hector Garcia, Maia Mitchell as Brittany Flune, Dajana Cahill as Layla Fry, Luke Erceg as Leon Lipowski, Rachel Blakely as Glenda Fry, Andrew Blackman as Don Fry

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Liz Buchanan as Ms Palmer, Jack Bradford as Mr Chauvel, Ingrid Mason as Miss Harvey, Karl Van Moorsel as Dion, Brittany Beer as Cool Girl #1, Jess Hammond as Cool Girl #2, Kim Go-Eun as Miriam, Dylan Gallop Angeles as Hector Look Alike, David White as Bus Driver

Parent-Teacher Night

Episode 1.15
Australia: February 21, 2007
UK: March 09, 2007
Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Michael Pattinson

With parent-teacher night looming, Taylor wakes up to find her dad doing bicep curls on the front lawn, surrounded by stack of vinyl records. Layla informs her that his bizarre behaviour is due to a mid-life crisis, and might last anywhere up to three years. Taylor is mortified at the prospect of her father showing up at parent-teacher night, and tries in vain to prevent him from going.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Liz Buchanan as Ms Palmer, Donna Fox as Miss Khan, David Anderson as Gary Lipkowski, Elise Greig as Dr. Speck, Darryl Waters as Man in Crisis, David Coombs as Man in Crisis #2, Marty Soden as Man in Crisis #3, Lara Poissant as School Parent, Hilary Tapper as Girl #1, Jessyca Lawrie as Girl #2, LaAce Devries as Girl #3, Kahn Ward as Phil, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

D.J. Taylor

Episode 1.16
Australia: February 28, 2007
UK: March 12, 2007
Written by Angela Webber
Directed by Paul Moloney

It's work experience time and Taylor is thrilled to be granted a position with the local radio station, working as a DJ. But her hopes fade as she is assigned to Mystic Marj's psychic talk-back segment. Worse, she is forced to get in touch with her own inner psychic when Mystic Marj accidentally locks herself in the toilets, leaving Taylor to deal with a switchboard full of needy callers. Taylor receives a Valentine's Day card from a secret admirer.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Andrew Buchanan as Mr Frankel, Harrison Buckland-Crook as Young Master Frankel, Kimberley Thompson as Little Loretta, Kate Boladian as Melissa, Bailey Harrison as Boy #1, Travis Holems as Boy #2-Surfer, Damien Garvey as Black Zac, Elise Greig as Radio Caller, Andrew Booth as Radio Caller, Nelle Lee as Radio Caller, Regis Broadway as Radio Caller, Elaine Cusick as Radio Caller, Caroline Dunphy as Police Officer, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

Note: the list of students' names on the work placement list include Fiona Apple (a singer/songwriter), Elaine Bennice (a misspelling of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld), Richard Cunningham (a character on Happy Days) and John Edwards (an Australian TV producer)

School Trivia Night

Episode 1.17
Australia: March 07, 2007
UK: March 13, 2007
Written by Chris Anastassiades
Directed by Pino Amenta

Taylor is less than impressed when her family teams up with heart-throb Leon's family for the school trivia night. Against the highly intelligent Flune family, they dont stand a chance. While the Flunes study Shakespeare and the laws of physics, Taylor's team studies chakras, essential oils and the Royal Family of Monaco. Taylor prepares herself for ultimate humiliation as she realises just how 'trivial' her parents' knowledge really is.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; David Anderson as Gary Lipowski, Karl Solway as Brett, Victor Parascos as Mr Lacey, Alistair Tomkins as Ned Kelly, Kylie Morris as Mary Mackillop, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

Note: On March 10, 2007, three days after this episode aired in Australia, Angela Webber, creator and writer of Mortified died at age 52 after a long battle with cancer.

Taylor's Self Portrait

Episode 1.18
Australia: March 14, 2007
UK: March 14, 2007
Written by Shirley Pierce
Directed by Ian Gilmour

When Taylor learns that a revealing self-portrait is to be auctioned off for charity, she scrambles to prevent it. But things get even worse when she discovers the painting isn't the only thing that's fallen into a stranger's hands... her diary is missing too! She imagines the worst as she tries desperately to wrangle the situation and prevent her deepest darkest secrets from being exposed.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; James Stewart as Mr Listerman, Jaala Webster as Adult Customer, Brittany Beer as Nina, Jess Hammond as Maddy, Isaac Smith as Little Boy, David Canham as Older Boy, Tim Boyle as Bushie in Painting, Alison Wilde as Stilt Walker, Grant Barker as Juggler

The Wedding

Episode 1.19
UK: March 15, 2007
Australia: March 21, 2007
Written by Angela Webber
Directed by Pino Amenta

Taylor is horrified to discover her parents aren't technically married, and tries to convince they need a traditional wedding. Her horror turns to happiness when Don, on bended knee, proposes to Glenda. However this joy turns back to horror as she realises the wedding is going to be anything but traditional.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Allen Davey as Jared (Didge Player), Mandi Lodge as Bridal Shop Owner, Luke Vaughn as Bongo Player, Boon Thie as Mr Kitoto, Ben Cann as Mr Santosh, Naseera Ally as Ms Chan, Rob Brow as Elderly Gentleman, Randall White as Blue Feather (Flautist), Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

First Child in Space

Episode 1.20
UK: March 16, 2007
Australia: March 28, 2007
Written by Adam Bowen
Directed by Paul Moloney

Taylor discovers that Glenda is going to be teaching "Healing by Humming" at her school, and is devastated. But when she learns that Glenda is also running for President of the P&C, she decides that there's only one logical way to solve her problems and escape her family. With Hector's help, she begins her campaign to become the first child astronaut.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Liz Buchanan as Ms Palmer, Amanda Dettrick as Andy, Pam Sexton as Helena Garcia, Peter Marshall as Handyman #1, Andrew Booth as School Principal, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

The Family Tree

Episode 1.21
UK: March 19, 2007
Australia: April 04, 2007
Written by Helen McWhirter
Directed by Michael Pattinson

Taylor has to do an assignment on an ancestor or relative, but everyone she can think of is far too embarrassing. When the Fry family receives a visit from their Great Aunt Ally, Taylor thinks the universe is smiling on her at last. However, she quickly realises that Great Aunt Ally is an eccentric, and her hopes are dashed — until the kooky old woman teaches her a valuable lesson.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Ingrid Mason as Miss Harvey, Andrew Buchanan as Mr Frankel, Hazel Phillips as Aunt Ally, Liza Ross as Racing Lady #1, Soraya Vinodolac as Racing Lady #2, Leigh Walker as Racing Gentleman #1

Divorce Camp

Episode 1.22
UK: March 20, 2007
Australia: April 11, 2007
Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Michael Pattinson

As she packs for school camp, Taylor overhears her parents arguing and becomes paranoid that they're getting a divorce. On the camp, Taylor convinces herself that there is something going on between her mother and her teacher, Mr Frankel. She sabotages every activity in an effort to keep them apart, but her efforts are fruitless, and as one thing leads to another, Taylor finds herself lost in the bush.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Lara Pissant as School Parent, David Anderson as Gary Lipwski [sic], Andrew Buchanan as Mr Frankel, Lincoln Lewis, Talking Shoe Face, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Pictures Double

Taylor Gets a Job

Episode 1.23
UK: March 21, 2007
Australia: April 18, 2007
Written by Angela Webber and Sam Carroll
Directed by Paul Moloney

All Taylor's friends have mobile phones, and she starts to feel left out. She decides she'll get a job and save for one herself, and starts with something easy… pet-sitting Mystic Marj's cats. But the cats turn out to be somewhat less angelic than she'd anticipated, as they take over Taylor's bedroom and run riot.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Jeffrey Hardy as Sales Assistant, Regis Broadway as Mobile Mick, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

Episode 1.24
UK: March 22, 2007
Australia: April 25, 2007
Written by Steve Wright
Directed by Pino Amenta

Don and Glenda leave Layla, Taylor and Hector home alone. But when Layla is dumped by her most recent heart-throb, she starts sobbing uncontrollably. It's a domino effect as the oven catches on fire, Hector's half-built model melts and the TV breaks. Taylor and Hector have to dry Layla's tears and save the day, while maintaining their composure enough to complete their school project.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Lachlan Buchanan as Dave — Pizza Boy, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double

Note: Steve Wright's script for this episode was nominated for a 2006 (and 2007) Australian Writers' Guild Award

Girl Power

Episode 1.25
UK: March 22, 2007
Australia: May 02, 2007
Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Ian Gilmour

Taylor learns that Brittany and her family are moving house. As Michael and Loretta vacuum their front lawn in preparation for the sale of their house, Taylor and Brittany hatch a cunning scheme to sabotage the open day and ensure that they can remain next-door neighbours forever.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; Renee Bowen as Helen, Dana Kirkpatrick as Sally, Simone Bennett Smith as Real Estate Agent, Felicity Mason as Homeseeker #1, Trent Huen as Homeseeker #2, Renai Caruso as Homeseeker #3, Marco Singaglia as Homeseeker #4, Damien Smith as Mr Thorpe

Taylor's Song

Episode 1.26 (finale)
UK: March 23, 2007
Australia: May 09, 2007
Written by Sam Carroll
Directed by Pino Amenta

Taylor thinks all her prayers have been answered when she is allowed to move in with Brittany's family for a few days. But she quickly realises the Flune family is a well-oiled machine, with strict house rules. She shares her dilemma with Beethoven and realises her own family might not be perfect, but they're perfect for her.

With: Sally McKenzie as Mystic Marj, Steven Tandy as Mr McClusky, Veronica Neave as Loretta Flune, Peter Kent as Michael Flune; David Anderson as Gary Lipowski, Ingrid Mason as Mrs Harvey, Sandro Colarelli as Mike, Todd Levi as Beethoven, David Taylor as Des, Jai Taylor as Sales Assistant, Dana Kirkpatrick as Taylor Picture Double