australian television information archive

Note: for this guide I am dividing the series based on the three broadcast seasons All Together Now aired in (1991-1993). The DVD releases do not follow this convention but divide the episodes into 4 series. The DVDs split up the 1991 season into series 1 and 2 with 1992 and 1993 becoming series 3 and 4 respectively.

Broadcast:
Jan–Nov, 1991: episodes 1–44 (44)
Feb–Sept, 1992: episodes 45–70 (26)
Feb–Sept, 1993: episodes 71–101 (31)

DVDs:
series 1: episodes 1–21 (21)
series 2: episodes 22–44 (23)
series 3: episodes 45–70 (26)
series 4: episodes 71–101 (31)

Daddy Cool

Episode 1.01
Tuesday, January 22, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Aging rock star Bobby Rivers learns for the first time that he has two teenage children when they show up on his doorstep after their mother is killed in a plane crash. Anna and Thomas, fifteen-year-old twins, and Tracy, their guardian who was looking after them while their mother was travelling, move in with Bobby and his friend and former roadie, Doug.

Starring: Jon English as Bobby Rivers, Rebecca Gibney as Tracy Lawson, Garry Who as Doug Stevens, Jane Hall as Anna Sumner, Steven Jacobs as Thomas Sumner, Bruno Lucia as Wayne Lovett

Substitute

Episode 1.02
Tuesday, January 29, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Embarrassed by having Bobby for a father, Thomas tries to hire an actor to play his dad at the school's parents-teacher evening. The kids learn the state of their mother's estate leaves them no real choice but to stay with Bobby.

With: Michael Bishop as Mr. Reid

Born To Be Wild

Episode 1.03
Tuesday, February 12, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby must choose between his new family and his music career when he's offered a spot on a lucrative six-month national tour as one of the Legends of Rock 'n' Roll. Thomas takes an inventory of his father's possessions in a misguided search for value. Anna resumes playing the piano for the first time since moving in with her father while Thomas laments his lack of musical talent.

I Hate The Music

Episode 1.04
Tuesday, February 12, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby must choose between his new family and his music career when he's offered a spot on a lucrative six-month national tour as one of the Legends of Rock 'n' Roll. Thomas takes inventory of his father's possessions in a misguided search for value. Anna resumes playing the piano for the first time since moving in with her father while Thomas laments his lack of musical talent.

Look What They've Done To My Song

Episode 1.05
Tuesday, February 19, 1991
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna wants an expensive pair of new Doc Martens shoes for a party she's going to. An advertising agency wants to license Bobby's one and only hit song to use in a commercial for their new product but when Wayne fails to secure sufficient compensation Thomas takes over the contract negotiations. The deal quickly falls through when Bobby learns what the product is: beer flavoured milk — for kids.

With: Totti Goldsmith as Charlie

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Episode 1.06
Tuesday, February 26, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Feeling unneeded, Doug packs his bags and moves out without telling anyone. No one notices at first but living conditions in the house quickly deteriorate. When the family learn they can't live without Doug they ask him to come back.

I Wanna Be Bobby's Girl

Episode 1.07
Tuesday, March 05, 1991
Written by Steve J. Spears
Directed by Pino Amenta

Thomas has a new girlfriend, Karen. She's older, gorgeous, gives him free pizza from her job… and has the hots for Bobby. Tracy calls out Bobby for his opposition to her own much younger boyfriend after she walks in on Tracy and Bobby after she threw herself at him. Thomas and Anna overhear their argument and wrongly assume Bobby and Tracy were the ones fooling around.

With: Nadine Garner as Karen Moyes

Whiter Shade of Pale

Episode 1.08
Tuesday, March 12, 1991
Written by Stig Wemyss, Kate Langbroek
Directed by Pino Amenta

When Thomas and Anna stay out late and come home drunk after attending a '70s nostalgia party, Tracy blames Bobby for not setting a better example and lacking discipline. He tries grounding them (yes, like on The Brady Bunch), but it's not enough for Tracy who makes arrangements to move out with kids. Doug and Thomas mix up a hangover cure.

You've Got A Friend

Episode 1.09
Tuesday, March 19, 1991
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

Doug is thrilled to learn he's been cast in yoga commercial playing a kiwi fruit named Ken but Wayne has even bigger news — he's gotten Bobby a gig at The Tivoli Theatre, the hottest spot in town. Wayne wants Bobby to update his image for the '90s but Bobby loses all interest in the gig when he loses his favourite guitar.

G.L.O.R.I.A.

Episode 1.10
Tuesday, April 02, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Doug pushes Wayne to start getting him bigger acting parts, perhaps something where you an see his face? Bobby receives a letter from Gloria, an old friend of Tracy and Beth, wanting to come for a visit to reminisce about the old days. Bobby is intrigued, Thomas more-so, but Tracy doesn't want "the slut" polluting the morals of Anna and Thomas. Anna talks to Bobby about safe sex.

With: Lynda Stoner as Gloria

Watching The Detectives

Episode 1.11
Tuesday, April 09, 1991
Written by Greg Haddrick, Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna is tasked with writing songs for the school play. Bobby buys Anna a new dress but where did he get the money from? When Bobby's Gold Record goes missing, everyone thinks he sold it to pay for the dress earning Bobby praise for his sacrifice. Wayne looks on the bright side, convincing Bobby the theft indicates a revived demand for his music. A detective is called in to investigate. He can't solve the theft but does return the record and answers where Bobby got the money from.

With: John Wood as Detective Grant

Emotional Rescue

Episode 1.12
Tuesday, April 16, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Doug's been so scared to bring girls back to the house for so long out of fear they'd get swept up by Bobby that his love life has been on hold for years. Doug misinterprets Tracy's encouraging compliments as interest in him and goes to Wayne for advice about women. Tracy overhears Wayne's criticisms of Doug and starts flirting with Doug. She's forced to come clean with Doug about her feelings when Doug plans a romantic dinner for the two of them.

Note: the first episode with a 1991 production date.

The Green, Green Grass Of Home

Episode 1.13
Tuesday, April 23, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

When Bobby finds a joint in the sofa cushions he's determined to find out which of his children it belongs to. They surveil the scene to find the offender but when the kids come across it, they begin an investigation of their own. Anna and her father have a frank talk, both believing the other has a drug problem. So whose joint is it?

Note: writer Philip Dalkin has a cameo at the end of the episode as the voice of the police officer at the door

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Episode 1.14
Tuesday, April 30, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna's letter protesting the rights of endangered animals is published in the newspaper. After next criticising the ethics of Tracy's fashion designs, Anna is arrested while picketing outside a store a store belonging to one of Tracy's clients initiating another fight beteen the two. Meanwhile, Bobby and Doug take in a kitten and Tracy asks a horoscope-obsessed Bobby to move a bench in the kitchen.

When A Man Loves A Woman

Episode 1.15
Tuesday, May 07, 1991
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

Wayne has a new lady in his life, much to everyone's surprise, but what's an even bigger surprise is what this new relationship has done to Wayne's personality (not to mention his name). Doug asks Wayne to use his contacts to hook him up with a stripper for his mate's Buck's Night but when she shows up at a family dinner, "Mario" is outed.

With: Tina Arena as Vanessa, Khym Lam as Rita

Beast Of Burden

Episode 1.16
Tuesday, May 14, 1991
Written by Pino Amenta
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tracy talks to Bobby about household finances and asks him to talk to Wayne about getting him more work — and cutting Wayne's percentage. Wayne lands Bobby a gig at a theatre restaurant but when Tracy shows up, she discovers he's washing dishes in the kitchen. Anna is determined to brush up on her cooking skills by speaking Italian and Thomas starts up a video delivery service. Anna encourages Doug to take up acting full time after his taxi is totalled in an accident.

With: Tommy Dysart as Barkeeper, Kris Karahisalaris as Bobby's Boss

This Old Heart Of Mine

Episode 1.17
Tuesday, May 21, 1991
Written by Rob Cox
Directed by Pino Amenta

In the midst of an ugly argument with Thomas, Bobby collapses and must be rushed to hospital by ambulance. Wayne calls Bobby's doctor to check on his condition but he misunderstands the message that Bobby "has left us for good" and must break the news to the family that Bobby is dead. Bobby is caught cheating on his urine test. Rumours of Bobby's passing do great things for memorabilia sales.

Chanson D'Amour

Episode 1.18
Tuesday, May 28, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby has finally worked up the nerve to ask out Tracy only for Tracy to walk in the front door and introduce everyone to her new French boyfriend. Etienne, a classically trained musician, asks Tracy to go to Paris with him. The kids go on an overnight school camping trip.

With: David Roberts as Etienne

Yesterday's Hero

Episode 1.19
Tuesday, June 04, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Lochie "Third Degree" Burns, one of Bobby's bandmates from Still Waters, comes in from Singapore for a visit. While Bobby hasn't changed at all, Lochlan has become a successful businessman with little time for music anymore. It's not the reunion Bobby was hoping for but Bobby is able to help Lochie through a family crisis.

With: John Waters as Lochie Byrnes, Michael Pope as Constable Bree

Paperback Writer

Episode 1.20
Tuesday, June 11, 1991
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Wayne has big news for Bobby — he's gotten his hands on the Big One — a major book deal for Bobby's memoirs. Bobby quickly accepts, now all he has to do is write the book. How hard could it be? The twins place a wager on Bobby's ability to finish the book while Doug set his eyes on playing Bobby in the eventual biopic. After the kids read Bobby's early draft, Tracy and Anna try to get Wayne to cancel the deal and in the process learn just who he sold Bobby's book to. In the end, Bobby surprises Wayne with a unique final product.

The Great Pretender

Episode 1.21
Tuesday, June 18, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

A front page story in the newspaper accuses Bobby of plagiarising his hit song, East Street. The supposed actual writer, Georgie Leonard, was Bobby's first musical partnership whose career was all but forgotten when he went to fight in Vietnam. Doug intends to clear Bobby's name and invites Georgie, now an insurance salesman, over to clear the air. But why doesn't Bobby seem to care about it as much as Doug?

With: George Spartels as Georgie Leonard

Tonight's The Night

Episode 1.22
Tuesday, June 25, 1991
Written by Steve J. Spears
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna is thrilled when the family wins a "typical family contest" earning an appearance on Tonight Tonight with caustic TV host David Brasche. While Bobby is preoccupied with Thomas' revelation that he wants to move out, everyone else is planning for their big moment on TV next week… or possibly sooner, you know, tonight.

With: Don Lane as David Brasche, Kevin Harrington [uncredited]

Summer Holiday

Episode 1.23
Tuesday, July 02, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

The family prepares to leave for their first vacation as a family but getting away proves difficult. As delays mount and the wait grows, everyone's enthusiam for their first vacation as a family begins to wane. Bobby is persistent however, nothing will stop him from going on their first vacation as a family.

Call Me

Episode 1.24
Tuesday, July 09, 1991
Written by Paul Leadon
Directed by Pino Amenta

Afraid of missing an important phone call due to the Bobby's habit of either not answering the phone or not passing on messages, Thomas buys the family an answering machine. Crafting of the perfect outgoing message becomes a big production with everyone wanting priority. It all becomes too much for the machine forcing Bobby to take over message taking duties.

Help Me Make It Through The Night

Episode 1.25
Tuesday, July 16, 1991
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tracy and Anna are sent home from school with the flu. Tracy and Doug also get sick forcing Bobby to look after everyone. If all they need is bed rest, how hard could it be? Wayne informs Bobby that they've been nominated for a very prestigious award and Bobby needs to perform at the ceremony. Wayne will need to help care for the family (or get one of them to do it) if Bobby wants to make it to the performance.

American Pie

Episode 1.26
Tuesday, July 23, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Doug comes back from an American's garage sale loaded with gifts for everyone. Thomas' continued insults are beginning to take their toll on Bobby. Fortunately, Doug has a parenting book that's sure to help. Bobby decides he needs to spend some quality time bonding with Thomas (who's not interested) which leaves Anna feeling undervalued. When Bobby makes good by taking Anna camping, it is Thomas who feels left out.

My Way

Episode 1.27
Tuesday, July 30, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Thomas strikes a deal with Rhys for him to provide security at Thomas' flea market stall in exchange for a date with Anna. Now Thomas just has to convince Anna to go out with the lout. However, when the situation spins out of control, Thomas has to refocus on finding a way to stop the date.

With: Christopher Truswell as Rhys

All My Friends Are Getting Married

Episode 1.28
Tuesday, August 06, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Kendal Flanagan

A cryptic message with a flower delivery, a misunderstanding over vehicle repairs, and Tracy's wedding dress sketches all lead the kids into believing Bobby and Tracy are getting married. But that's not the only romantic misunderstanding on the cards.

With: uncredited as Kevin Smiley

Money For Nothing

Episode 1.29
Tuesday, August 13, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Kendal Flanagan

Bobby's house is literally falling apart and with the kids wanting money for a school excursion to Uluru, Bobby is in financial need. He's confident the universe will provide and it does in the form of a $10,000 advance from his record company for sales in South America. Unfortunately, it's not a cheque but a demand to return money he collected in the '70s — the album only sold three copies. In dire straits, Bobby puts the house up for sale.

With: Michael Cummings as Mr. Orwitz, Helen Knight as Mrs. Orwitz

The Two Of Us

Episode 1.30
Tuesday, August 20, 1991
Written by Werner Molinski, Philip Dalkin
Directed by Kendal Flanagan

With Anna and Thomas out of town on school sports trip and Doug at an actors' workshop, Bobby and Tracy find themselves alone in the house for the weekend after her plans fall through. A storm knocks out the power giving the pair the chance to spend some quiet time together getting to know one another better. Their innocent evening looks rather suspicious when the rest of the family returns home.

Twisting By The Pool

Episode 1.31
Tuesday, August 27, 1991
Written by Kate Langbroek, Megan Rees
Directed by Kendal Flanagan

Anna and Thomas' sixteenth birthday is approaching fast and Bobby has made no effort to find them the perfect presents. The kids drop some not-so-subtle hints that they'd like a pool table but Bobby twists things around and ends up revealing that their friend is planning them a surprise pool party. With everyone focussed on the birthday, only Doug senses what is bothering Anna.

Would I Lie To You

Episode 1.32
Tuesday, September 03, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Tracy tells a slimy business client that she is married to Bobby to get him to back off. With the client coming over to the house to sign some papers, Tracy asks Doug to pretend to be her husband, Bobby Rivers. Tracy tries to get Bobby out of the house by giving him and Thomas tickets to Hair but Bobby gives his ticket to Doug forcing the part of Bobby Rivers to be played by Bobby Rivers.

With: Gary Sweet as Roger Dixon Burrows

Money Changes Everything

Episode 1.33
Tuesday, September 10, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Upon discovering that Bobby has a rare and valuable autographed Johnny Purvis and the Predators album in his collection, Thomas contacts a buyer willing to pay $20,000 for it. It turns out the album sleeve is not only signed by Johnny but by a who's who of dead rock stars who played on the album pushing its value up to $125,000. But where's the actual record? and can Bobby afford for it to be found? Anna is collecting money for the "Save the Eastern Barred Bandicoot" fund.

With: Ernie Bourne as Andy Williams Fan

Dream Lover

Episode 1.34
Tuesday, September 17, 1991
Written by Elizabeth Coleman
Directed by Pino Amenta

When the kids refuse to let her go to the movies with them because she is "too old", Tracy is determined to do something spontaneous, even if it is going out with Wayne. Could this be the start of something special?

With: Michael Pope as Constable Bree

Bat Out Of Hell

Episode 1.35
Tuesday, September 24, 1991
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby becomes obsessed with his new next-door neighbour. After scrutinising his movements at all hours of the day — and night — Bobby comes to the logical conclusion that the man is a vampire. Tracy invites the mysterious Gazza over for dinner to clear thing up but Bobby, Doug and Wayne are determined to uncover the truth before it is too late for Tracy.

With: David Bradshaw as Gazza

Stayin' Alive

Episode 1.36
Tuesday, October 01, 1991
Written by Clare Madsen
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby's feeling his age — and being mistaken for Wayne's father doesn't help matters. Doug's widowed mother comes for a visit and he's surprised to learn she's dating again. With his mother out on the town, Doug tells Bobby he thinks old people should grow old gracefully and not try to do what they did when they were young. It's advice Bobby takes to heart thinking it's aimed at him.

With: Diana Davidson as June Stevens

Crazy For You

Episode 1.37
Tuesday, October 08, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

A letter from a crazed fan has Bobby concerned she's out to get him and the kids. Doug convinces him there's nothing to worry about but when the house is ransacked, Tracy advises Bobby call the police and inform the kids. The kids take it all as a joke whereas Wayne sees it as a great chance for some publicity. Thomas struggles with an assignment on the Vietnam War never imagining there's first-hand knowledge close at hand.

With: Tony Lee as RSPCA Man

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Episode 1.38
Tuesday, October 15, 1991
Written by Anthony Morris
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby's latest gig is working as a clown at a kindergarten show — in support of a dog act. It's the final straw for Bobby who fires Wayne as his agent. Bobby seizes on an opportunity to manage a band and is eager to prove himself but has he gotten in over his head? When a professional's advice is needed, Bobby must turn to Wayne for help.

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

Episode 1.39
Tuesday, October 22, 1991
Written by Stig Wemyss, Megan E. Rees, Kate Langbroek
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna casts aside her "good girl" image in favour of a new rebellious persona to better fit in with the popular kids at school. Tracy tries to discipline Anna for her rude behaviour but a more lenient Bobby doesn't back her up. When Anna sneaks out to go to a nightclub, it is Wayne who brings her home but Tracy and Bobby's attempt to set some boundaries only causes Anna to move to Queensland. The family gathers to watch Doug's first real acting job on TV, even if it is on SBS.

Like A Virgin

Episode 1.40
Tuesday, October 29, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby breaks his lucky ashtray while playing basketball in the house with Doug. Thomas is convinced he's the only virgin left in his school and asks Bobby for advice. It's a real bonding moment for father and son, unfortunately neither one is talking about what the other thinks they are. When it gets back to Bobby that Anna is considering "going on the game", it's time for Bobby to have another talk. He and Anna clear up one misunderstanding only for Wayne and Thomas to drag Tracy into the confusion.

Stuck On You

Episode 1.41
Tuesday, November 05, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Bobby and Doug buy a filthy, old barbecue from a garage sale. For their innaugural Saturday afternoon barbecue, the boys trust Wayne to come through with a good deal on the meat. Thomas is in love with Anna's maths tutor, Susan, unaware he is wasting his time — she's gay. Anna says she's okay with it but is she?

With: Saskia Post as Susan

Born To Run

Episode 1.42
Tuesday, November 12, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

After a dodgy deal, Wayne fears for his life believing "Concrete" Tony Tellini is after him. Bobby lets him stay at the house where he quickly makes himself at home. Despite Wayne's boorish behaviour, Bobby can't bring himself to throw him out. Tony tracks down Wayne and gives him what he has coming — or at least he tries to.

With: Vince D'Amico as Tony Tellini

Computer Games

Episode 1.43
Tuesday, November 19, 1991
Written by Philip Dalkin
Directed by Pino Amenta

Anna borrows a computer so she can edit the school newspaper at home inspiring Bobby to learn how to use it. Thomas wants to use the computer to improve his business productivity, promising he can sell ads to improve the paper. Wayne drops off his eight-year-old nephew for Bobby to look after.

With: Simon Gligora as Sam Punchetto

Silent Night

Episode 1.44
Tuesday, November 26, 1991
Written by Shane Brennan
Directed by Pino Amenta

It's Christmas Eve and Bobby get's more than he bargained for when he hopes for a traditional christmas. A man and his pregnant wife — the Carpenters — wind up on his doorstep after being turned away from the nearby inn. It all seems too much of a coincidence when three wise men appear bearing gifts. It will certainly be a Christmas they never forget.

With: Mary-Anne Fahey as Rivka Carpenter, Ian McFadyen as Simon Carpenter, Robert Grubb as Dr. Standish, Michael Pope as Constable Bree, Bobby Bright as Shepherd, Jon Concannon as Constable Ruffles, uncredited as Beth [v/o]

Note: this episode is often mistakenly listed as "Joy To The World" but the onscreen title is "Silent Night"