australian television information archive

The Hill

Episode 01
January 21, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy
Directed by Michael Offer

The Flying Doctors join Rescue at the scene of a major accident with multiple casualties. Vic and Nancy Buckley, recently retired and travelling by caravan, are among the wounded. Dr. Blitho's unconventional treatment methods draw Rebecca's ire. Jim welcomes the arrival of his wife Laura, Broken Hill's new magistrate and coroner, her daughter Zoe, and Jim's son Jesse. Dennis is concerned about Leanne's relationship with her boyfriend, Cowboy.©tzuk

Starring: Steve Jacobs as Dr. Jim Solomon, Belinda Davey as Laura Regan, Lewis Fitz-Gerald as Dr. Sebert Blitho, Elaine Smith as Dr. Sissy Wetherall, Peter Phelps as Sr. Dennis Taylor, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley, Val Jellay as Nancy Buckley

And: Simone Buchanan as Rebecca Owens, Lydia Miller as Leanne Cassidy, Kevin J. Wilson as Ted Eastman, Sophie Lee as Penny Wellings, Justin Connor as Rollerblades, Simon Grey as Jesse Solomon, Marieke Hardy as Zoe Solomon

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Julian Branagan as Cowboy, Stephen Hall as Keith Bainbridge, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, Peter Andrew Williams as Mick the Accountant, Rosalind Romney as Mrs More, Arthur Edwards as Aboriginal Boy, Rod Densley as Barman, Michael Fry as Ambulance Man, Norman Steiner as Accident Victim, Paul Monaghan as SES man, Michael Dyson as Court Monitor

Notes: the "starring" cast (opening credits) and the "ands" (my term for those in the first block of the end credits before the "withs") are credited in every episode and won't be repeated

A Different World

Episode 02
January 28, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy
Directed by Michael Offer

Called out to Minnie's Well to attend to Leanne after she is assaulted by her boyfriend, Dr. Blitho is forced to perform a risky procedure on the kitchen table before she can be flown back to base. Laura turns down a job offer from Sydney and gets more than she bargained for when Sissy takes her on a picnic to show her the outback. When Sissy drives her ute into a dam, the girls are forced to spend the night in the bush before walking back to town the next morning. Meanwhile, Vic, still recovering from his injuries, is able to leave hospital, and Jesse, missing his girlfriend, begins hitch-hiking back to the city.©tzuk

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Julian Branagan as Cowboy, Stephen Hall as Keith Bainbridge, Roderick Williams as Justin Honeyman, Tom E Lewis as Kilampa, Victoria Rowlands as Mrs Mungie, Gladys Treadwell as Patsy Martin, Gordon Stibbard as Ian Delacy, Kevin Hopkins as Stan Illies, Peter Andrew Williams as Mick the Accountant, Eric Mueck as Nobby, Stan Dryden as Young Man

Heartbreak

Episode 03
February 04, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy
Directed by Michael Offer

A child is rushed to hospital after his father found him unconscious in a dam. The parents must then face the difficult reality that their son's prognosis for a meaningful recovery is not good. With Zoe covering up her brother's absence as he continues his trip to see his girlfriend, Jesse is heartbroken to discover she has moved on. Meanwhile, Vic's recovery is hampered by depression, Laura's gets push-back from local politician Evelyn Whaley when she highlights a local pub's racist dress code, and Ted gives Leanne a job after he fires Keith.©tzuk

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Ben Buxton as Stuart Miles, Mark Little as Jack Buxton, Karen Hadfield as Sally Ann Buxton, Randall Berger as Eugene O'Rourke, Bruce Carter as Defence Lawyer, Patricia Judah as Female Senior Constable, Robin Dene as Publican, Terry Moore as Ford Boy, Elliot Hayes as Mate, Bruce Kilpatrick as Cop, Janelle Cooke as School Girl 1, Sally Pellegrini as School Girl 2, Tom E Lewis as Kilampi, Petra G Yared as Sarah Aldridge, Peter Andrew Williams as Mick the Accountant

The Wisdom of Soloman

Episode 04
February 11, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy
Directed by Michael Offer

Dr. Blitho's reputation and own words come back to haunt him when he is hit with a malpractice lawsuit by grieving parents who accuse him of refusing to treat their son. After being given a tour of the local landmarks by Evelyn Whaley with a clear ulterior motive, Laura mediates the dispute. Meanwhile, Ted tries to put a scare into Leane's ex-boyfriend, Zoe learns Blades' secret, and Jesse pesters Ted to teach him to fly.©tzuk

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Julian Branagan as Cowboy, Mark Little as Jack Buxton, Karen Hadfield as Sally Ann Buxton, Barry Hill as Scott Fairweather, Peter Andrew Williams as Mick the Accountant

Public Relations

Episode 05
February 18, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy
Directed by Michael Offer

When Ted is unable to find a suitable landing spot, Sissy breaks regulations by performing a risky parachute jump to an inaccessible homestead allowing her to save a young woman's life. A visit from a newspaper reporter gives the Broken Hill RFDS staff the opportunity to improve their public profile which has suffered of late. Initially hesitant to co-operate with the reporter, Dr Blitho decides to seize the chance to expose his colleagues antics but the result isn't what he expected. Jim is concerned about growing apart from Jesse as his son spends more and more time with Ted. Identifying him as a public relations disaster, Jim fires Dr. Blitho, moving him into a job as Broken Hill's new Medical Superintendent. Meanwhile, Vic is walking again, and Dennis finds a sympathetic ear while mourning the death of an old girlfriend.©tzuk

With: Simon Woodward as Jordan Day, Lisa Maree McCune as Jane, Carole Yelland as Doris, Adam Evergood as Michael Fletcher

Call Sign Cowboy

Episode 06
February 25, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Paul Spinks
Directed by Michael Offer

Laura unearths the reason behind a family feud when she presides over a seemingly minor legal dispute between two brothers fighting over stolen water. Leanne struggles to cope with harassing radio calls from her abusive ex. Dr. Blitho departs — but not before leaving assessments of all his co-workers.©tzuk

With: Julian Branagan as Cowboy, Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Raleigh Robinson as Gordon Stibbard, Peter Cummins as Reg Matthews, Douglas Hedge as Happy Matthews, Clive Hearne as Charles Angell, Joan Murray as Dorothy

Head on Collisions

Episode 07
March 04, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Dr. Blitho begins his new job as the Acting Medical Superintendent in charge of the hospital. His first task is to look into Blades' background in an effort to get him out of the hospital and into a youth refuge. Desperate for friends, Jesse falls in with the wrong crowd and experiences his father's wrath when he is involved in a high-speed police chase. Ted struggles to occupy his day when a head-cold keeps him grounded.©tzuk

With: Elizabeth Crockett as Carol, Frank Macgree as Kingy, Nathan Croft as Thommo, Luke Wright as Smacka, Radha Rani Mitchell as Tracey, Maude Davey as Miss Cameron, Victoria Eagger as Georgie Madden, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, Helen Trenos as Patrice Ahearne, Sharna Durso as Jade, Jason Pilato as Little Boy Andrew Baker as Police Officer

Dragged From The Wreckage

Episode 08
December 11, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Jim and Dennis are called out to attend a two car accident with multiple traumas (and one fatality) unaware that one of those involved is Jim's son, Jesse. An invitation to speak at a charity fundraiser leads Ted into a reunion with an old girlfriend. Meanwhile, Dr Blitho institutes a rash of changes at the hospital, and Blades adjusts to life in the youth refuge.©tzuk

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Victoria Eagger a Georgie Madden, Frank Macgree as Kingy, Nathan Croft as Thommo, Luke Wright as Smacka, Radha Rani Mitchell as Tracey, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Penelope Stewart as Rita Whaley, Helen Trenos as Patrice Ahearne, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, Julius Szappanos as Kingy's Counsel, Pearl Heald as Kingy's Mother, Ross Simmons as Kingy's Father, Tom Coltrain as Yahoo, Scott Manic as Yahoo, Tamara Saulwick as Jane, Caine Muir as Fuzz, Nick Bourke as Ken Sommers, Marilyn J Chestnut as Mrs Biggins

Cave in

Episode 09
December 18, 1993
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Rebecca's relationship with Dr Blitho is put to the test after she takes the heat for his cutbacks. Sissy welcomes the arrival of her friend, a photojournalist from an English magazine who has come to do a story on the hospital. The team responds to the site of a mining accident where Sissy leads a dangerous underground rescue and must perform a life-changing procedure to save her friend's life. Meanwhile, Sissy schemes to keep Blades in the hospital after Blitho tries to have him discharged again, and Ted, still grounded, faces a court appearance after starting a fight in a pub.©tzuk

With: Elizabeth Crockett as Carol, Victoria Eagger as Georgie Madden, Nicholas Bell as John Crispin, Celia De Burgh as Vicki Struthers, Peter Schofield as Barman, Helen Trenos as Patrice Ahearne, Tamara Saulwick as Jane, Christopher Barry as Kruger, Martin Crewes as Gus, Penelope Stewart as Rita Whaley,

Loss of Faith

Episode 10
January 08, 1994
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Dennis Taylor, an admitted former addict, comes under suspicion when Rebecca discovers a discrepancy in the drug supply. Dr Blitho finds himself in search of another new job when he is removed from his role as Acting Medical Superintendent. Vic devises a new kitchen roster.©tzuk

With: Celia De Burgh as Vicki Struthers, Elizabeth Crockett as Carol, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Victoria Eagger as Georgie Madden, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, John Murphy as Lloyd Mumford, Esme Melville as Alice Diddlecock

Poor Wandering One

Episode 11
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Zoe solicits Dr. Wetherall's help for her best friend who is pregnant. When the girl takes extreme measures to terminate her pregnancy, she suffers severe brain damage leaving Sissy in a fight with the girl's mother about the fate of the unborn child. With rumours swirling about her relationship with Dr. Blitho, Vicki takes on the direction of the Broken Hill Light Operatic Society's production of The Pirates of Penzance.©tzuk

With: Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Sarah English as April Cundrill, Elizabeth Crockett as Carol Doors, Nathan Croft as Thommo, Kathryn Rawlings as Mary Cundrill, Celia De Burgh as Vicki Struthers, David English as Anaesthetist, Timothy Clarke as Pirate, Anthony Crowley as Pirate, John Edward as Pirate, Richard McDonald as Pirate, Phillip Norwood as Pirate

Outback Justice

Episode 12
January 28, 1994
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Zoe accompanies Jim on a flight to record video footage for a class assignment. When the flight is diverted to attend to two men injured in a welding explosion, Jim is forced to leave Zoe behind at the remote pipe-layer's camp to transport the injured men back to base. Laura is not pleased by his decision and suggests he wouldn't have done it if she was his daughter. Dennis and Penny wake up in bed together unsure of what did or did not happen between them the night before. The explanation turns out to be entirely innocent but that doesn't stop Dennis from trying to convince her otherwise. Jesse befriends a girl he met in a bookstore but she must soon appear before Laura when she is caught shoplifting. Vic installs a new phone at the hostel and there is plenty of blame to share when the first phone bill arrives.©tzuk

With: Barry Friedlander as Prosecutor, Tamsin West as Joanne Daily, Victoria Eagger as Georgie Madden, Peter Farago as Mr Daily, Suzanne Benchley as Mrs Daily, Celia De Burgh as Vicki Struthers, Elizabeth Crockett as Carol Doors, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, George Vidalis as Serge, Phil Sumner as Ernie, Georgie Basey as Kim, Julio Misitano as Chris, Shawn Unsworth as Donkey, Pip Mushin as Red

End of the Road

Episode 13
February 04, 1994
Written by Everett de Roche, Glenda Hambly, John Reeves, Susan MacGillicuddy, Rick Maier
Directed by David Caesar

Returning from vacation, Rebecca accepts a ride back to Broken Hill from a trucker leading to a frightening trip beside a drug-impaired driver. Investigating the transport company the driver works for, Rebecca discovers it is owned by Evelyn Whaley. Gail is brought into the hospital after a car accident and is discovered to have been under the influence of illegal drugs as well. Surprised by the return of her ex, Cowboy, Lauren takes out a restraining order against him in a futile effort to get him to leave her alone. In his determination to win her back, Cowboy reveals his involvement in the manufacture of illegal drugs but isn't on hand when the police raid the garage. When he later turns up dead from a gunshot wound, Lauren blames herself.©tzuk

With: Shauna McEwan as Gail Hirsch, Julian Branagan as Cowboy, Mike Bishop as Evelyn Whaley, Timothy Bell as Sgt. Joe Wheeler, Renato Bartolomei as Tony Farrugio, Hannes Berger as Policeman, Jasper Bagg as Marty, Warren Owen as Legal Aid Officer, Alethea McGrath as Val Dickenson, David Hawkins as Constable, Alex Jaye as Defence Lawyer, Andrew Vial as Police Prosecutor, Rod Dunbar as Barman, Donna McRae as Nurse