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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Spells &amp; Karma" data-source="post: 207945" data-attributes="member: 23">Episodes 336-340  (...continued)<img src="https://i.vgy.me/fhXa76.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /><img src="https://i.vgy.me/mXv9p7.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />As if Roo didn’t have enough drama going on in her final run of episodes, she also comes dangerously close to the dubious claim of being the series’ first gang rape victim.Even back in the day, it was unthinkable that the series would cross that line, however the direction in particular seems to push things to the limits of what’s acceptable in a teatime series watched by pre-teens.It’s certainly a very different approach from the highly euphemistic portrayal of Carly’s rape the previous year, which was kept tastefully out of sight. This time round we see shots of Roo surrounded by Revhead and his thuggish friends, crying as she is shaken and sexual threats are made (apparently so, anyway. The few fragments that can be heard don’t sound particularly wholesome).In a strange sort of way, to those familiar with the “rules”, the degree of onscreen threat is a sign that the assault won’t be followed through. Not in a series of this kind, at this time. You can have the threat. You can have the assault. But not both. It would just be too much.Even the threat itself is broken up as two witnesses come along. And so a highly subjective shot of Revhead threatening Roo before placing his hand over her mouth - filmed from between and below them - is interspersed with the same event shown from a safe, objective distance as we see what Bobby and Carly can see.The fact that it’s these two of all people who stumble upon the scene gives this unpleasantness a whole shot of soapiness as they bring baggage with them. Carly herself had experienced similar trauma not so long ago, while Bobby’s relationship with Roo is more complex than ever. Neither of these facts are dwelt on. There’s not even a glimmer of a moral dilemma for Bobby. She’s straight in there. Carly, understandably, is more hesitant to get involved but does so all the same.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/nVj70w.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Even though Revhead’s friends ask the two newcomers if they want to join “the party”, it’s clear at this point that The Danger is well and truly over. The intervention has already reduced the threat tenfold. And the scene is no longer about a potential assault but about three women experiencing breakthroughs in challenging personal demons or reaching an understanding.On top of this comes yet another layer: a character introduction. A generic blonde surfie type distracts Revhead and his gang by driving off in his car. Which gives Roo, Bobby and Carly the opportunity to take flight.<img src="https://i.vgy.me/aMGS4Y.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Back at Donald’s, Carly gives Roo brandy (“for medicinal purposes”), and they discuss the situation:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/0tsvaG.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />It’s interesting that Roo - the victim - is keen to contact the police but her repeated concerns are shot down again and again by the other two.The conversation moves on to Roo’s current situation:<img src="https://i.vgy.me/TeRImi.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />There’s a degree of contrivance to the turn of events, but the actors here sell me on this. I believe there’s a kind of respect and warmth between them in that moment. Maybe Bobby will kick herself for saying it. But the writers know that this casts her in a somewhat noble light and at the same time slightly whitewashes the two departing characters in order for them to be reunited with a degree of illusionary purity.continued...</blockquote>

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