Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spells &amp; Karma" data-source="post: 199975" data-attributes="member: 23">Episodes 222-227    (...continued)More shades of the Pilot with flashbacks to Frank’s childhood. This time we got what felt like half an episode in sepia with wailing guitar rock music when Frank took Bobby to show her where he’d grown up.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/UaS2iz.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Which prompted them to make a decision:This has opened up a major can of worms. And an exciting one at that. Already it feels very cloak and dagger, with people knowing more than they are saying. All we get are hints and allusions. First to pique our interest is our Friendly Neighbourhood Social Worker:Needless to say, this is just the beginning. And Bobby gets a written reply from him that turns her world upside down:This leads to a face-to-face confrontation with the man she thought was her father in a prison visiting room, a scene I clearly remember watching when it aired here on Christmas Day 1989. I was visiting family and took myself away to watch the episode in an aunt’s bedroom. Funny the things that stick in your mind.Every one of Al’s lines is a put down or a form of rejection. The tone is set with Al’s first response when Bobby perfunctorily introduces Frank:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/KDoUjF.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/oMGXwA.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />And it gets worse:It’s clear that Al is the villain here. Not because he’s a criminal  serving a prison sentence, but because of how openly he expresses his dislike for his own daughter. It’s an unflattering part.In among my recollection of watching the scene, something that has surprised me is how note perfect a performance George Leppard gives. This is is his one and only episode, and he has little to work with: just two short scenes of almost one-dimensional dialogue. But he oozes, not just with contemptuous sneers and bitterness, but also with the charm of a rough diamond. There’s an edge to him, but paired with the aura of someone with a wry sense of humour. A loveable rogue, if you like. It’s not on the page here, but I believe this man could be charming if he wanted something. And that that he has a heart underneath it all. Perhaps he’s even doing this in Bobby’s best interest. Incredibly, there’s something quite likeable about him. And that’s all Leppard.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/h1CPMG.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/A3W231.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/DiXzFW.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Al Simpson would go on to be a victim of the series’ stunt casting in the era when the series lost its way and began casting Donovans, Minogues and Henry Ramsay. And that’s the series’ loss. Because I’d love to have watched George Leppard on a more permanent basis.The name Al gives Bobby is a familiar one, and she shows up on their doorstep demanding answers:And while Alf won’t admit knowing anything to Bobby, he confesses to Ailsa and Celia after the latter has overheard Bobby talking about the situation:And even this is playing down the full story. Because when he’s alone, Alf makes a phone call:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/ftZGV1.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Even knowing the outcome, it’s thrilling to watch. The air of mystery, and the fact that so many characters have secrets - BIG secrets - is very exciting. Especially the thought that the truth will out. And to that end, Bobby has her own secret weapon to drive her real parents out from underground:continued...</blockquote>

Verification: 6 + 4 =

Poison your name this Hallowe'en

There's plenty of time to choose your spooky October username

Click here for more details

Reply to thread