australian television information archive

The Return

Episode 2.01 (14)
July 03, 1995
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Judith John-Story

Jason and Brett eagerly await the return of Neri and Charlie — as does UBRI's Dr. Hellegren who wants to study one specific humpback whale — Charlie. Jason and Brett go to Neri's island to prepare for her return and find a silver pendant inside the flower of an unusual "never-bloom" plant. When Dr. Hellegren's helicopter crashes into the ocean, Charlie calls on Neri who goes to help only to end up being taken captive by the scientist. Neri manages to escape, with a little help from Charlie, only moments before Hellegren is rescued by Captain Sam Phillips, one of the many new arrivals on ORCA. Dianne's research contract is extended another six months by ORCA's new commander but the woman's son, Michael, proves to be a challenge for the others kids on the station. Jason and Brett welcome Neri home and promise to help her learn more about who she is.©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N.

Where No Whale Swims

Episode 2.02 (15)
July 10, 1995
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Judith John-Story

Neri makes her first visit to ORCA since her return and tells her friends that she wants to discover who "her people" were. Jason, Brett and Neri go to her island to look for clues to her identity. When Brett gives Neri the pendant he found in the flower, Neri tells him it was her father's and on further examination, is found to be a map of the island. Following clues found on the island, a large object is discovered burried under the sand on the island. From what they have learned so far, Jason suspects it is a spacecraft. Dianne is shocked to learn her reseach hours will be cut back and she will be expected to make her equipment available for "commercial purposes". Mick locks Rocky in the recompression chamber.©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., David Whitely as UBRI Scientist

Father's Message

Episode 2.03 (16)
July 17, 1995
Written by Neil Luxmoore
Directed by Judith John-Story

After locating an underwater entrance to the spaceship, Neri and Jason enter the craft where they find some of her father's belongings. After taking the objects back to ORCA to study, one displays a holographic message from Neri's father that reveals how and why her people came to Earth — and that Neri has a sister somewhere on Earth!

Kimberly challenges Mick to a race, but when she beats him, he refuses to pay up. When Dianne approaches Commander Byrne to ask for a boat to further her research into whale songs, Commander Byrne reveals to Dianne the Top Secret plans for the construction of ORCA City — and she wants Dianne and Winston to do the oceanographic surveys, sidetracking their current research.©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Robert Cooper as Neri's Father

Note: 1998 AWGIE Award Nominee for best children's original screenplay

Records and Recollections

Episode 2.04 (17)
July 24, 1995
Written by Neil Luxmoore
Directed by Judith John-Story

The search for Neri's sister, Mera, is underway. Mick asks Froggy to use his computer to change his grades but Froggy refuses to do it. Commander Byrne isn't pleased with her son's grades but Mick once again charms his way out of trouble. Rocky fixes up an old boat so Jason can leave ORCA as he pleases.

While helping Winston with a survey, Joanne falls overboard. She is rescued by Neri, but to keep Neri a secret, Joanne is lead to believe that it was Winston who saved her. Dianne and Winston discover that Neri's presence enhances their scans of the seafloor. Dr. Hellegren discovers Neri is the creature that accompanies Charlie. An old newspaper article leads Jason and the others to the man who first found Mera.©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., David Hudson as Johnny Mack, Gordon Hunter as Young Johnny Mack, Vanessa Girling as Baby Mera

Mera

Episode 2.05 (18)
July 31, 1995
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Judith John-Story

While Brett and Jason go ashore in search of Mera, Neri reluctantly agrees to stay behind on ORCA and help Dianne and Winston with their oceanographic survey. The kids locate Mera who, after being bounced from one foster family to another, is now living at an institute for gifted children under the adopted name Jane Seaforth.

After failing to locate either Neri or Charlie, Dr. Hellegran changes his focus, travelling to the Institute of the Advancement of Human Ability where he becomes intrigued with one young girl — Jane Seaforth. With help from Froggy, Jason and Vanessa manage to sneak into the institute and speak to Mera who promises to go with them if they can prove she can trust them. Unfortunately, Dr. Hellegren has other plans, he wants to transfer Jane to UBRI where he can study her telepathic powers.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Bob Newman as Dr. Gabriel, Yew Ling Tan as Li Cheng, Eric Lilliken as Joshua, Mitch Deans as Limousine Driver

The Institute

Episode 2.06 (19)
August 07, 1995
Written by Judith Colquhoun
Directed by Judith John-Story

Jason, Brett, Froggy, and Zoe return to the Institute to get Mera but Dr. Hellegren has already arrived with plans to take Mera back to UBRI. Fortunately the kids arrive in time to rescue her, convincing her she can trust them by showing her Neri's silver pendant, to which Mera has the matching piece.

While the others are off rescuing Mera, Neri continues to help Dianne and Winston with their survey. Winston teases Dianne about capturing Captain Phillips' heart unaware he has an admirer of his own. Mick asks Vanessa to the dance as a joke but when she finds out, it is Mick who is all wet. After reuniting on ORCA, Neri and Mera return to the island, but what is home for Neri is strange and discomforting for Mera.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Andrew Bibby as Steve, Daniel Bowden as Patrick, Bob Newman as Dr. Gabriel, Dennis Lenox as Guard, Mitch Deans as Limousine Driver

No Place Like Home

Episode 2.07 (20)
August 14, 1995
Written by Kate Henderson
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Mera is having a difficult time adjusting to life on the island. Brett stays behind to try to help a distraught Mera when Neri leaves to help with the survey. Mick blackmails Froggy into using H.E.L.E.N. to spy on Vanessa's counselling session. The kids on ORCA throw a surprise birthday party for Vanessa but another of Mick's practical jokes results in a dangerous chemical spill and fire.

Jason and Brett lead a successful rescue through the air ducts and in the aftermath, it is revealed that Mick has a reading disability. To instill some discipline in her son, Commander Byrne assigns Mick to Dianne's survey crew. Jason is not happy about what appears to be a developing relationship between his mother and Captain Phillips. Meanwhile, Dr. Hellegren manages to connect Mera's escape to ORCA.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Linda Ross as Counsellor

Our Island

Episode 2.08 (21)
August 21, 1995
Written by Helen McWhirter
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Suspecting a connection between Jane Seaforth and the girl who rescued him after his helicopter crash, Dr. Hellegren sends UBRI agent Mr. Forsyth to ORCA to learn as much as he can about the two girls. With him is Liselle, another former resident of the Institute who is being sent to befriend the kids on ORCA.

With Mick assigned to Dianne's mission to map the ocean floor, efforts must be made to keep him from finding out about Neri who is still assisting Dianne. Neri is concerned about Mera's dislike of life on the island and asks Dianne have a talk with her but it is an accident that proves to be the catalyst in changing Mera's outlook. Sam volunteers to process the survey results for Dianne and in doing so, locates a large and valuable titanium deposit.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N.

Note: 1998 AWGIE Award winner for best children's original screenplay

Underwater and Undercover

Episode 2.09 (22)
August 28, 1995
Written by Lois Booton
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Neri returns to help Dianne with the oceanographic survey leaving Mera alone on the island to face an UBRI search party that has come to the island looking for them. Mick catches a glimpse of Neri and Mera on a monitor but everyone tries to make him think that he is just seeing things.

Mick persists in his claim of having seen two girls but only Liselle, the UBRI spy, shows any interest. Forsyth reports his story back to UBRI headquarters where Dr. Hellegren steps up his search for the girls. When Dianne learns that Sam has been keeping his discovery of the titanium deposit a secret with hopes of cashing in on the discovery, she asks him not to pursue it.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Adrian Smith as UBRI Assistant

Secrets Out

Episode 2.10 (23)
September 04, 1995
Written by Neil Luxmoore
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Prior to leaving on the final survey mission, Dianne learns that Commander Byrne has now also assigned Froggy, Zoe, Joanne, Rocky and Kimberly to her crew. Forsyth hides a transmitter on the survey boat to allow UBRI to track it. As UBRI closes in, a team of divers is dispatched to apprehend Neri and Mera. In the girls' struggle with the divers, Neri and Mera are caught on the research boat's cameras, revealing their existence to everybody on board.

Responding to Mera's call for help, Charlie intervenes, allowing the girls to escape. It is the first time Mera has been able to talk to Charlie. Back on ORCA, Jason tells everyone who was on the boat all about Neri and her sister. The kids all agree to keep them a secret, except for Mick who just says that he'll "think about it." However, with UBRO spies on ORCA, Mick is the least of the kids' concerns.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N.

Sabotage

Episode 2.11 (24)
September 11, 1995
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Mark DeFriest

With the girls having been restricted to living at ORCA, Jason relents and agrees to take Neri and Mera swimming off the station platform. Mick finds out and heads out on a jetski only to fall off requiring the girls to rescue him. Vanessa discovers that Liselle and Forsyth are working for UBRI and warns the others. Neri helps Mick with his reading and in return he joins the others in agreeing to keep Neri and Mera a secret.

Forsyth tries to gain access to Dianne's research but cripples H.E.L.E.N. in the process. In the ensuing confusion, Lyselle sees Mera in the corridor and reports back to Dr. Hellegren that Neri and Mera are on ORCA. Having received strange signals from Neri's island, Winston goes to investigate and meets two strangers. However, once back on ORCA he says his trip was uneventful.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Anthony Hawkins as Searcher #1, Nicola Paull as Searcher #2

The Arrival

Episode 2.12 (25)
September 18, 1995
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Neri leaves ORCA thinking she will be able to protect Mera and Charlie by giving herself up to UBRI. Brett chases after her and is able to stop her but he gets into an accident with Dr Hellegren's boat and is revived by Neri. Winston alters the oceanographic survey results to destroy any record of the titanium deposit and Sam destroys his remaining records as well.

Winston continues to secretly meet with the two strangers on Neri's island, promising he can bring Neri and her sister to them. Vanessa helps Mick with his reading and defends him to Commander Byrne when she accuses him of slacking off. Zoe and Kimberly drag Froggy away from fixing H.E.L.E.N. to find Lisselle and Forsyth's communicator. Unable to bring the girls to the island, Winston instead brings the strangers back to ORCA where they tell Neri and Mera that they have come to take them back to the Planet of the Oceans — their home — where they can use their gift to it's full potential to help their people. The girls face a difficult decision.

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Anthony Hawkins as Searcher #1, Nicola Paull as Searcher #2

The Return

Episode 2.13 (26)
September 25, 1995
Written by Peter Hepworth
Directed by Mark DeFriest

Neri and Mera make the difficult decision to return to the Planet of the Oceans and convince Dianne that she must continue her research. Froggy fixes H.E.L.E.N. with a little help from Damien. Neri and Mera are spirited back to the island — with Winston, Mick, and Zoe acting as decoys to lure away Dr. Hellegren. The ruse is uncovered by Forsyth but he cannot warn Dr Hellegren as Commander Byrne has him arrested after H.E.L.E.N. identifies him as her sabateur.

Meanwhile, Kimberly, Vanessa, and Joanne keep Liselle from contacting UBRI, securing a safe arrival on the island for Neri and Mera. On the island, final goodbyes are said as the girls board the spacecraft for home. However, after the ship departs, one person has stayed behind... Neri, who explains that while Mera has returned home to bring hope to their people, she belongs on the island and has stayed to "finish father's work."

Featuring: Lauren Hewett as Mera©australiantelevision.net

With: Nicholas Bell as Dr. Hellegren, Jacalyn Prince as Vanessa, Joel De Carteret as Froggy, Cassandra Magrath as Zoe, Anthony Hayes as Mick, Kristy Barnes Cullen as Joanne, Sam Johnson as Rocky, Claudia Buttazzoni as Kimberly, Terry Serio as Captain Sam Phillips, Pamela Rabe as Commander Byrne, William Gluth as Forsyth, Caitlin McDougall as Lieutenant Borg, Sonya Suares as Liselle, Miki Oikawa as First Officer, Christopher Kirby as Second Officer, Nina Landis as H.E.L.E.N., Anthony Hawkins as Searcher #1, Nicola Paull as Searcher #2