Mother and Son: episode guide


The Money

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Episode 2.01 (8)
March 04, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Maggie receives a letter from the government inquiring why she hasn't been cashing her pension cheques. She is worried that if the government finds out how much money she has, they'll stop sending her the cheques. Arthur and Robert, who both have an urgent need for cash, think they have the ideal solution to the problem.

Starring: Ruth Cracknell as Maggie Beare, Garry McDonald as Arthur Beare, Henri Szeps as Robert Beare

With: Peter Collingwood as Bank Manager, Shauna O'Grady as Bank Teller, Constance Lansberg as Helen, Amos Szeps as Sean

The Divorce

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Episode 2.02 (9)
March 11, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Maggie is openly upset that Arthur and Deirdre are getting divorced tomorrow. Why couldn't they have a good marriage like Robert and Liz? Robert's marriage is obviously less than wonderful, but Maggie refuses to see it despite the most damning evidence.

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare

The Funeral

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Episode 2.03 (10)
March 18, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

It seems even Uncle Andrew's funeral is not cause enough to affect Maggie's cheerful good humour. After a little mix-up with the cars and an unscheduled shopping stop along the way, the procession finally reaches the cemetery. And that's when the fun really starts. It could have been a beautiful service, except for those damned oranges. Afterwards, as the family returns to the house, death seems to be on everyone's mind — especially Uncle Tom. But nothing seems to deter Maggie's good mood — even if she's not sure who has died, or whether it's her fault. After all, what's a little poison among family?

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare, Peter Gwynne as Uncle Tom, John Gaden as Funeral Assistant, Martin Vaughan as Doctor, Peter Whitford as Minister

The Promotion

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Episode 2.04 (11)
March 25, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Arthur is offered a high-profile job in Canberra, but what will he do with Maggie? Should he ask Robert to look after her, or should he take her with him to Canberra? Does he really want the job after all?

With: Suzanne Roylance as Deirdre Beare

The Aunt

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Episode 2.05 (12)
April 01, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Arthur plans to give himself a break from Maggie by asking her younger sister, Lorna, to stay. This will give him time to spend with his new girlfriend. He discovers that trying to out-manipulate Maggie causes more trouble than it is worth.

With: Melissa Jaffer as Lorna, Roslyn Gentle as Wendy

The Card Game

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Episode 2.06 (13)
April 08, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Arthur insists on leading his own life and asks some friends around for a game of cards. Maggie can't play cards, so suggests snakes and ladders instead. It isn't always a good idea to bring friends around to meet your mother, especially when she thinks one of them is a Russian spy.

With: Terry Bader as Igor, Ray Meagher as Geoff, Lance Curtis as Leonard

The Morning After

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Episode 2.07 (14)
April 15, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Arthur has begun asserting himself far too strongly since he met his new girlfriend, Wendy. Maggie considers his morality in question after learning Wendy spent the night, and decides to leave home and live with Robert, much to Robert's consternation.

With: Roslyn Gentle as Wendy