New posts

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mel O&#039;Drama" data-source="post: 202788" data-attributes="member: 23">Episodes 258-261  (...continued)Upbeat as Floss and Nev’s departure is, there’s also an undercurrent to it. Compared with the compelling reminders of how important Summer Bay is to Floss and Nev - and vice versa - the reasons to leave don’t feel quite as compelling. I can’t help feeling this is deliberate. And for this, it’s important to understand the background to the exits.Sheila Kennelly and Frank Lloyd didn’t ask to leave. They were sacked. Without notice and without discussion (Frank Lloyd discovered he was to leave by reading about it in a TV magazine). And the reason for their departure added insult to injury:A pivotal moment for Floss in choosing whether or not to depart is Neville reminding her that within weeks the Fletchers will be in London and the two of them will be left twiddling their thumbs with nobody to look over. There’s a bittersweet irony to this, because the viewer is already aware that the move will not happen. Stacey has alerted Tom to Nick’s scheme and they are working covertly to try to topple him. So despite the characters’ resolve, the audience knows deep down that their leaving Summer Bay is pointless. There’s an implicit message here to the powers that be.The way the McPhees choose to depart, and other characters’ response to it, is also symbolic. They leave very early in the morning, while other characters still have the whole day ahead of them. And rather than doing the rounds or throwing a party, these two outwardly gregarious, larger than life characters choose to leave a note and slip quietly away.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/tD4ODf.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />This is given a scripted reason:After their 5am wakeup, the sense of finality is palpable. There’s a heady juxtaposition of hope and loss.One of my favourite images from this episode is that of Floss fluffing up the interior of their old car with cushions. It’s such a simple and fleeting visual, but it captures that early morning feeling well. I was reminded of childhood camping holidays when we’d leave early in the day to make the most of the time, sleeping bags, blankets and pillows all creating an exciting new cosiness within the cabin. This tiny little touch seems to somehow capture the spirit of the couple. Preparing for an adventure, but taking their home comforts with them. Brightening up a slightly sterile environment with texture and warmth. It’s perfect. There’s no doubting that this couple are experienced in the nomadic life and now the decision is taken they’re getting on with the practicalities.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/f5QcsT.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Even so, Floss still wavers slightly as she turns back towards their colourful caravan. And here’s where the loss comes in. Leaving the van behind is a practical decision that is a sacrifice for them:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/hzgs9D.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/fuYpYA.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />I can’t help thinking of Ben coming to stay with them, and the happy times they had in what was their biggest storyline on the series.Which leads to another point: Floss and Nev just aren’t big storyline characters, and that’s fine. All series need Flosses and Nevs: characters who are simply there. To be an essential part of a series for BEING rather than DOING is the mark of true character-driven series. Which is a reason why their departure from the series truly marks the end of an era more than any change up to this point, from Lynn’s exit to the characters leaving Summer Bay High at the end of Season One.continued... </blockquote>

Verification: Who played Sue Ellen in Dallas?