Mother and Son: episode guide


Christmas Drinks

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Episode 3.01 (15)
December 24, 1985
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

It is Christmas Eve and Maggie wants to go to church with Arthur to sing carols. Arthur has other plans, and has invited some of his friends to come over for a party. But Maggie has her own way of dealing with such plans, and only one guest arrives, and he wasn't even invited. When Robert and Liz arrive later with presents, Maggie decides that they should join Arthur and herself at the church.

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

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare, Paul Bertram as Max

The Sign

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Episode 3.02 (16)
March 03, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Will Maggie ever get to heaven to join her late husband, Leo? Will Arthur lose his mind as well as his wardrobe? Only the new rector seems to gain from Maggie's infuriating saintliness.

With: Tony Barry as Rector, Frank Lloyd as Priest

The Picnic

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Episode 3.03 (17)
March 10, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Liz and Robert have arrived to collect Maggie for a picnic, but she refuses to go unless Arthur joins them. She wants to relive the family picnics of the boys' childhood, but things don't quite work out as planned. After a lot of singing and a little confusion over the location (it looked different 30 years ago), the others refuse to join Maggie in her proposed games or walking. So you could argue that if Arthur, Robert, Liz and the others had been a bit nicer to Maggie, none of it would have happened. But even so, just how can you possibly lose your mother at a picnic?

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare, Janine O'Brien as Teonie Beare, Kristin Vergia as Damien Beare, Judi Farr as Matron, Dorothy St Heaps as Norma, Queenie Ashton as Elsie, Suzette Williams as Policewoman, Stan Kouros as Park Ranger

Note: the only appearance of Robert and Liz's kids, Damien and Teonie.

The Accident

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Episode 3.04 (18)
March 17, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Maggie didn't really mean to end up at the Baby Health Clinic. She was really only looking for a sandwich, but it was all very interesting. And she did get some advice about Arthur's sore foot. Arthur gets some advice too, but chooses to ignore the truth about his situation.

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare, Penne Hackforth-Jones as Community Medical Officer, Ron Haddrick as Claude, John Ewart as Hospital Worker, Suzanne Hawley as Taxi Driver, Rosalie Fletcher as Young Mother, Lucy Charles as Nursing Sister

The Last Will

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Episode 3.05 (19)
March 24, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

There's no doubt Maggie loves Arthur. She's not only going to leave him the most precious thing she knows, but a million dollars as well. Arthur would rather have the house. And that's a pity, because Robert's getting that in addition to all her other assets.

With: Judy Morris as Liz Beare

The Neighbours

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Episode 3.06 (20)
March 31, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Maggie is sure that the woman next door is spying on her. Worse than that, she a Greek immigrant and doesn't speak English. After an exchange of threats and property damage, Arthur and the next door neighbour's son decide to mend their mothers' relationship. It's amazing what a universal language a soap opera can be.

With: Nicos Lathouris as Kosta, Sally McKenzie as Senior Constable, Arky Michael as Constable, Stella Stefaniois as Mrs Akon

The Cruise

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Episode 3.07 (21)
April 07, 1986
Written by Geoffrey Atherden
Directed by Geoff Portmann

Why shouldn't Maggie go on a cruise with a man her family doesn't know? Maggie knows him. She just can't remember his name. But she's determined to go away with him — that's if her late husband will let her.

With: Ron Haddrick as Claude, Barbara Stephens as Susan