Big Sky: episode guide

Series 1 | Series 2

The Principal

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Episode 1.01
Mon, February 17, 1997 (8:30)
Written by Tracey Trinder-Doig, Christopher Lee
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Lauren Allen's privileged existence grinds to a halt when the wealth she's always known dries up after the death of her beloved father. Left with a legacy of debt and the pain of his deception, she goes with her only option and sells off business and private assets, including the family home. All that remains is a small, unprofitable charter company which the sympathetic family solicitor suggests she may be able to salvage, despite her inexperience.

Starring: Gary Sweet as Chris Manning, Alexandra Fowler as Lauren Allen, Martin Henderson as Scotty Gibbs, Rhys Muldoon as Jimbo James, Lisa Baumwol as Lexie Ciani, Robyn Cruze as Shay McWilliam

With: Roger Ward as Barney, Rebecca Hamilton as Vanessa, Michael Barnacoat as John, Barry Quin as Solicitor, Julie Herbert as Alice, Matthew Harrington as Billy, Rolando Ramos as Enrico, Franko Milostnik as Carlos, Patrick Almeida as Julio, Stephen Judkins as Police Officer #2, Owen Buik as Police Officer #1, Russell Kiefel as Detective 1, Genevieve Sulway as Detective 2

Navstar

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Episode 1.02
February 17, 1997
Written by Steve Worland
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Jimbo is dangled over the edge of a bridge by his ex-girlfriend Stacey's brothers as she demands that he pay her back $5000 he owes. When he calls her bluff her brothers let him go and he splashes into the water far below. She warns him If he doesn't pay by 1pm sharp she'll drop him off the Harbour Bridge next.

To solve his financial woes, Jimbo races to retrieve a piece of a crashed satellite to win a lucrative radio contest. When the object is revealed to be radioactive, Jimbo is ordered to ditch his plane at sea.

Guest Starring: John Polson as Jimbo's Rival

With: Jimi Reynolds as Ralph, Sotiri Sotiropoulos as Bruno, Michelle Pettigrove as Stacey, David Whitney as Mark Johannsen, Geoff Aldridge as N.E.C. Officer, Justin Case as N.E.C. Officer, Justin Monjo as Dave Brock, Julian Pulvermacher as Len Crichton, Sandra Sully as Newsreader, Paul Doyle as Jimbo Double

The McCourt Family

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Episode 1.03
February 24, 1997
Written by Tracey Trinder-Doig
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Chris and Lexie arrive at an outback airstrip to collect a farmer, James McCourt, and his two young children who are heading into the wilderness on a camping trip. As they load the plane the children's grandfather arrives with a court order for their return...

McCourt forces Chris to fly at gunpoint while Lexie tends to the kids' grandfather who clings to life after being been shot. Jimbo ponders his future after getting a difficult medical diagnosis.

Guest Starring: Ian Bliss as James McCourt, Roxane Wilson as Robbie Manning

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Ron Graham as Tom, Evan Sheaves as Adam McCourt, Nellie McQuinn as Jessie McCourt, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe Manning, Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Monique Spanbrook as Doctor, Mark Slocum as Controller 1, Ken Walsh as Controller 2, Michael Boehm as Outback Police Officer, Rohan Michael as Uniformed Police Officer

It Only Takes One

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Episode 1.04
March 03, 1997
Written by Rick Maier
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

There's big trouble at Big Sky as rumours have Lauren trying to improve the balance sheet by breaking up the business and selling off assets. Chris' assignment to transport a prisoner is complicated when the accompanying police officer falls ill and the inmate is sprung by his mates. The man comes back when his conscience gets the better of him and Chris shows the likeable bloke the sights before taking him in. \When Jimbo makes a delivery to a pregnant woman on a remote property, he finds himself helping with another delivery giving him cause to reflect on his own situation.

Guest Starring: George Shevtsov as Wal Dennis

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Barry Quin as Simon Kroger, Inge Hornstra as Debbie, Terry Crawford as Doctor, Peter Callan as Sgt. Ned Banks, Ramsey Everingham as Joe, Angelica La Bozzetta as Annabel Harding, David Sheehan as Harry, Cameron Stewart as Ambulance Officer, Alan Dukes as John, Paul Douglas as TRG Man, Mark McCann as Security Guard, Natalie Read as Debbie's Baby, Meegan Marmont as Waitress

Growing Pains

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Episode 1.05
March 10, 1997
Written by Susan Bower
Directed by Viktors Ritelis

When his best mate Shane is jilted, Scotty commits to cheering him up. He moves Shane into his flat and takes him for his first parachute jump. The boys are playing hard and Scotty thinks Shane is handling the break up well. On a second jump a horrified Scotty watches from the plane as the parachute fails to open and Shane plunges to his death. When Scotty later learns his friend's death wasn't an accident, he struggles with what to tell Shane's parents... and the inquest which is seemingly poised to put the blame on Scotty. Later, a search and rescue job puts Scotty in the position to save the life of a drowning youth.

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie Sherman [uncredited], Glenn Hoare as Shane, Ronald Rodger as Mr. Webster, Gennie Nevinson as Mrs. Webster, Brendan Higgins as Brian Chambers, Felicity Soper as Jill Spencer, Carlton Lamb as Reporter, Geoff Bartlett as Detective, Damien Parker as Mr. Cooper, Nathan Ramsay as Ambulance Officer, Stuart Halusz as Bloke, Jon Darling as Derro, Peter Melov as Police Officer 1, Gary Simmons as Police Officer 2, Chris Bessounian as Lexie's Boyfriend, Christopher Midlam as Brett

Good Luck Baby

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Episode 1.06
March 17, 1997
Written by Gregor Jordan
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Chris and Lauren head for a weekend with Sir Douglas Ogilvie, a wealthy industrialist and friend of Lauren's who is considering investing in Big Sky. When a storm forces them to land in a farmer's field, they are forced to spend the night in the plane before taking off again the next morning — after mending fences. Jimbo is stuck minding his girlfriend's dog, Baby, who he doesn't like. Baby runs riot at the base, hopping on a plane and ending up in Warnervale, before stowing away in a singer's ute. Jimbo is in major trouble. Shay agrees to go out with Scotty.

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Frank Wilson as Douglas Ogilvie, Ken Goodlet as Les, Diarmid Heidenreich as Dingo, Martin Lynes as Roger, Craig Blair as Gary, Chris King as Meat Tray Caller, Yvonne Adams as Miriam, Marc Kay as Clerk

No Turning Back

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Episode 1.07
March 24, 1997
Written by Annette Moore
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Chris is surprised when his ex-wife, Robbie, turns up on his doorstep, terrified; her date turned violent when she tried to break off their relationship. Chris moves into protective mode, and back into the house. The police are eager to get their hands on the passenger on Chris' charter flight — a detective set to testify at an inquest into police corruption.

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe Manning, Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Phillip Holder as Neil Davidson, Jim Holt as Mark Campbell, Peter Fisher as Detective Taylor, Jason Montgomery as Male Officer, Tanya Bulmer as Suzie, Rachel Cleland as Bridesmaid, Deborah Wells as Bride's Mother, Kim Mordaunt as Dwyer, Amanda Bishop as Female Officer, Janice Oxenbould as Patricia, Anthony Martin as Detective Harrison, Tina Kobas as Doe #1, Gabrielle Collins as Doe #2, Michelle Lafferty as Doe #3, Carol Fraczek as Fiona, Lelanya Gutierrez as Pretty Woman

Lost and Found

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Episode 1.08
April 01, 1997
Written by Tony McNamara
Directed by Mike Smith

Chris is hired to transport a body from a remote station but when he returns to Big Sky, the coffin is empty. He and Jimbo must return to finish the job... twice. Jimbo suspects foul play and when their plane breaks down, they are forced to spend the night in the company of the dead man's wives giving Jimbo time to investigate. Shay's colleague's throw a hasty party for her forgotten birthday but her day takes a turn when she learns her parents are splitting up. Lauren is forced to sell her family home, Lexie must deal with some difficult passengers, and Ronnie searches for an anniversary gift.

Guest Starring: Lynette Curran as Meg

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Melissa Jaffer as Lily, Joel Edgerton as Pierce, Barry Quin as Kroger, Chris Mayer as Businessman #1, Justin Green as Businessman #2, Brian Langsworth as Clark, Stuart Lumsden as Drunk Guy, Jai Kemp as Courier #1, Jason Low as Courier #2, Jim Cullington as Jeremy, John Keightley as Doctor

Coming To Terms

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Episode 1.09
Written by Annette Moore
Directed by Mike Smith

Chris and Robbie panic when their son Jack goes missing. They spend a few anxious hours searching before he turns up on Chris' doorstep, wanting to live with his dad now. Robbie's suspicions that Jack is unhappy about the new man in her life have been confirmed.

Chris brings his son to Big Sky for the day but he stows away on a plane that crashes in the outback. Scotty and Lexie transport a pair of endangered frogs and a skydiving crow. Jimbo's pesters his colleagues hoping to find the ideal seating arrangement for his dinner party.

Guest Starring: Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Peter Gwynne as Clem

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe Manning, Peter Ford as Man, Michael Coe as Matt, Lisa Bailey as Kate, Tailith Hughes as Jennifer, Mark Slocum as Controller, Simon Van Der Stap as Ambulance Driver, Jacqui Hall as Sister, Fenella Dobson as Mother

Balloon Girl

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Episode 1.10
April 08, 1997
Written by Gregor Jordan
Directed by Tony Tilse

Jimbo dreams of a woman in a hot air balloon, and is astounded to meet her in real life. Smitten, Claire also quickly develops feelings for him and their whirlwind relationship takes off. Sharing a love of flying, Claire takes Jimbo for a balloon ride and reveals her wish to have a large family.

Lauren decides to pursue her pilot's license but Chris, her instructor, is the one who comes under scrutiny for having an invalid license forcing him to resit his test. Tired of getting all the menial jobs, Scotty jumps a the chance to pass them on to a work experience student who excels at everything.

Guest Starring: Ling-Hsueh Tang as Claire

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Brendan Higgins as Brian Chambers, Abraham Forsythe as Damien, Andrew Forsythe-Jones as Clerk, Brian Tierney as Engineer, James Armstrong as Controller, Mary Docker as Receptionist

Note: Ling-Hsueh Tang's first known acting role

The Duke of Yarragul

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Episode 1.11
May 13, 1997
Written by Anthony Ellis
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Scotty is having a bad day. First his girlfriend Jen tells him she's leaving him for another woman. Then the angry producer of a film he's flying props and rushes for accuses him of running cocaine to the cast and crew and threatening the whole shoot.

When Chris lands at a bird sanctuary, he is placed under arrest by the gun-wielding owner, the self-appointed head of an independent city state, who intends to hold him for a million dollar ransom all so he can get on the news.

Guest Starring: William Zappa as Bob, Anne-Louise Lambert as Jean Friedrich, Susie Porter as Tracy

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Luciano Martucci as Editor [Quentin], Paul Goddard as Jeff, Tina Thomsen as Jen, Sandie Lillingston as Jade, Matt Potter as Group Leader, Julia Zemiro as Police Officer #1, Adam Hedditch as Police Officer #2, Phillip Hogan as Technician, David Hardy as Production Assistant, Debrah Algar as Nurse, Luke Trenwith as Captain Ferocious, Dion Horstmans as Pirate Baddie, Misha Drenkovski as Wench, Dominique Chionchio as Changing Actress

Note: Julia Zemiro's first known acting role

Great Expectations

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Episode 1.12
April 15, 1997
Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Helen Gaynor

Lauren is about to secure a contract flying prized Yellow Fin tuna from the south coast to connect with international flights to Tokyo, when a practical joke grounds Chris' plane, putting the deal in jeopardy.

Feeling that Chris isn't giving him a fair shot at advancing his career, Scotty leaves Big Sky for an airline run by Chris' rival. Jimbo shuttles a group of beautiful young women on a fashion tour of country towns. When the organiser is struck down, Jimbo is pressed into service as emcee.

Guest Starring: Phillip Gordon as Eddie, Noeline Brown as Never Pat

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Yvette Duncan as Marcella, Jemma Wilks as Sasha, Jane Meikle as Kylie, Winny Tong as Suki, Peter Corbett as Gazza, Silvio Ofria as Massimo, Michael Curran as Engineer, Greg Ellis as Mechanic, Jason Colby as Simon

Sweet Revenge

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Episode 1.13
April 22, 1997
Written by Susan Bower
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Love is in the air at Big Sky. Lexie and Lauren discover they have not only fallen for the same guy but that he used them to carry out a robbery. The women set a trap for the traitor only to find themselves trapped.

Guest Starring: Paul Chubb as Detective Cook, Sandy Winton as Rob

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Benj Daddario as Accomplice, Stuart Fenton as Tony (TRG), Johnny Sorcevski as Con (TRG), Simon Mills as Security Guard, Stephen Hayden as Undercover Cop #1, Gary Brandli as Undercover Cop #2

Mortal Stakes

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Episode 1.14
April 29, 1997
Written by Rhett Walton
Directed by Helen Gaynor

Jimbo and Lexie take shots of a waterfront mansion from a helicopter. Next door, a politically sensitive meeting is taking place. Later, the Big Sky office and both Lexie's and Jimbo's flats are all ransacked and the photos stolen. Fortunately Lexie has made copies, and she and Jimbo study them to see what makes them so hot.

Chris and Lauren accompany a client, a friend of her father, to a poker tournament where Chris is invited to join a high-stakes private game. When Chris loses their plane, Lauren goes shark-hunting to win it back and take down the man who ruined her father.

Guest Starring: Bryan Marshall as Harry

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Damian Pike as Terry Bradshaw, Phillip Hinton as Sinister Man, Brian Harrison as Ian Drake, Jack Mayers as Rob, Craig Ball as Leon, Marcus Schultz as Player One, Fiona Seres as Player Two, Kerry Barlow as Lissa Page, Gordon Rutter as Tony

Note: the first of very few acting credits for Fiona Seres who went on a career as a television screenwriter

The Sky Is Calling

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Episode 1.15
May 06, 1997
Written by Tracey Trider-Doig
Directed by Tony Tilse

When Lauren insists Chris takes a wealthy woman for flying lessons he is less than impressed. But Gillian is friendly, timid and self deprecating. He's disappointed when she ends the lessons abruptly. Not long after she resurfaces, determined to pick up where she left off. She flees her controlling husband in Chris' plane when the pair are accused of having an affair forcing Chris to talk her through her first solo landing. Scotty's estranged father makes contact for the first time in fifteen years hoping to step back into his son's life. The reunion is ruined when Scotty is dragged into his father's latest caper. Jimbo shares a magazine quiz with his coworkers.

Guest Starring: Anne Tenney as Gillian Masters, John Diedrich as Dennis

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Jeff Truman as Allan Masters, Des James as Mr Sullivan, David Anthony as First Man, James Armstrong as Controller, Craig Blair as Gary

Mile Low Club

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Episode 1.16
May 27, 1997
Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Tony Tilse

The death of a pilot, Stew, that he trained with throws Jimbo. It is the second death in eighteen months and even Jimbo's teflon coating can't protect him any more. He has a dream about flying his mate to heaven, where his mate tells him he's next in line for "the mile low club".

Scotty joins Lexie on a camping trip and she take him on his first glider flight. He also encounters an old girlfriend who is eager to reconnect. Following some late-night confusion about sleeping arrangements, Scotty is the one left out in the cold — and rain.

Guest Starring: David Sandford as Stew, Felicity Price as Kirstie

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Melanie Harris as Gothic Woman, T'mara Buckmaster as Maxine, Loretta Brades as Anna, Mike Miller as Controller

A Simple Twist Of Fate

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Episode 1.17
May 20, 1997
Written by Grant Fraser
Directed by Mike Smith

Accompanying Lauren to an aviation do, Chris is attracted to Kate Vernon, the PR person for the venue. Kate and Chris enjoy a joy flight next day. Attraction builds to a kiss, and they arrange a date for that night, during which he learns her husband died recently. Lexie and Jimbo's disasterous flight to scatter ashes risks ending with a lawsuit if they can't find the misplaced remains. When Lauren is forced to fire a pilot, she fears he's come back seeking retribution.

With: Helene Joy as Kate Vernon, Wendy Playfair as Mrs. Toohey, Brian Meegan as Carl Nichols, Adam Cooper as Phil, Paul Barry as Brett

Triskadelaphobia

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Episode 1.18
June 03, 1997
Written by Rhett Walton
Directed by Kate Dennis

It's Friday the 13th and nobody is flying so Big Sky is closed for the day. It also happens to be Lauren's birthday. Unfortunately, she spends it tied to a chair with Chris while Peruvian gangsters hold guns on the bickering pair. With Lexie, Jimbo and Scotty off experiencing the mystery of an abandoned weather station, it falls on Shay to play the role of John McClane and rescue Chris and Lauren.

Guest Starring: Brandon Burke as Jerry, Pippa Grandison as Angel, Danny Nash as Alan, Steve Rodgers as Ross

With: Franko Milostnik as Carlos, Patrick Almeida as Julio, Fred Rouady as Nicos, Roy Spinola as Luis, Roy Simper as Marco, Rohan Michael as Constable

Mac's Time

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Episode 1.19
June 10, 1997
Written by Daniel Krige
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Jimbo encounters an old school friend in the street and is stunned to witness an armed robbery with Mac as the driver of the getaway car. Jimbo agonises over whether or not to dob his mate in to the police when Mac turns up at the base to make sure he makes the right decision — all while dragging Jimbo deeper into his mess. While on a romantic vacation at a resort with his new girlfriend, Chris runs into his ex-wife Robbie and her new boyfriend. By the end of the weekend, one pair leaves happy. Fresh off her latest break-up, Shay resists the advances of a love-sick admirer (complete with marriage proposal) while she waits for Mr Right to sweep her off her feet.

Guest Starring: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Kelly Dale as Mac, Laurie Foel as Pauline

With: Andrew Tighe as Duncan, Christopher Morris as Dave, Eddie Birbara as Service Station Manager, Tony Morgan as Police Officer, Chantel Munro as Reservations Clerk, Eleni Batley as Cheryl, Putu Winchester-Stanton as Bandit #1, Chris Mitchell as Bandit #2, Tom Cross as Shop Owner, Charles Conway as Bystander

Fly Me To The Moon

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Episode 1.20
July 15, 1997
Written by Tony McNamara
Directed by Mike Smith

Carrying a load of money back to Sydney from a country race track, Chris receives an odd distress call from nearby. He diverts and lands. Suddenly lights blind him. Through them he sees the silhouettes of small creatures behind the brush. He passes out and awakes to discover the money has been stolen. While the police suspect Chris, Jimbo eyes a less terrestrial answer. After taking a honeymooning Japanese couple on a tourist flight, Scotty is surprised when the wife turns up on his doorstep after leaving her husband. Robbie and Chris are facing financial issues as they search for money for their son's schooling.

Guest Starring: Jodie Dry as Gemma Hall, Anthony Phelan as Bill McDonald, Kazuhiro Muroyama as Kenzo, Miki Oikawa as Noriko

With: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Troy Carlson as Shane, Andrew Thomson as Security Guard

It's No Secret

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Episode 1.21
July 01, 1997
Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Andrew Prowse

The day to day hassles of trying to run Big Sky with too little capital are taking their toll on Lauren. And when she has a brush with her old life, in the form of rich and handsome Angus Galloway and two of her girlfriends, she is left ruing what she has lost. Chris pours all his free time into searching for a friend whose plane mysteriously disappeared from radar.

Guest Starring: Christopher Stollery as Angus, Kate Agnew as Stephanie Taylor

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, David Woodley as Kerry Taylor, Matt Cain as Elvis #1, Ray Hawkins as Elvis #2, Lisa Steuerwald as Marilyn Monroe, Brendan McKensy as Child Elvis, Matt Jennings as Air Traffic Controller, Amanda Crompton as Margot, Vanessa Fallon as Celia

Boxed In

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Episode 1.22
June 17, 1997
Written by Annette Moore
Directed by Kate Dennis

A fight between Chris and Lauren escalates to the point where Chris resigns at the same moment that Lauren sacks him. He is surprised to later discover she has taken his action seriously and hired a new chief pilot, Jane.

The fiancée of a pilot whose plane disappeared four years ago just prior to their wedding returns to Big Sky on the anniversary of the accident, wearing a wedding dress, still looking for closure. Jimbo goes on a one-man strike to protest Chris' dismissal and a mysterious package refuses to be delivered.

Guest Starring: Mary Regan as Jane, Anna Lise as Melanie

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Chris King as Barman, Craig Blair as Gary, Nancy Tarran as Mrs. Amy, Paul Smyth as Rylstone Official, Col Angus as Chicka Walker

Paradise

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Episode 1.23
June 24, 1997
Written by Simon Baré
Directed by Tony Tilse

Scotty and Lexie make an emergency landing in a remote area. Injured, they are taken in by a community of hippy women. They discover their presence in the seemingly idyllic society has upset the status quo.

Jimbo throws himself into the role when Lexie asks him to pretend to be her lawyer boyfriend to avoid introducing her mother to her actual boyfriend, a drummer. Lauren and Robbie's return trip from buying a new plane with Chris is disrupted by a snake.

Guest Starring: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Simon Westaway as Luke

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie [uncredited], Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Rosey Jones as Lily, Madeleine Blackwell as Jacinda, Jessica Machin as Skye, Leeanna Walsman as Rachel, Gabrielle Link as Wendy, Helen Scott as Pam, Scott McGregor as Owner, Jon Pollard as Frank, Rand Hennessy as Melbourne Controller

The Return of Jimbo James

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Episode 1.24
July 08, 1997
Written by Grant Fraser
Directed by Andrew Prowse

Jimbo runs into an old girlfriend, Jodie, and is stunned to learn he is the father of her young son, Max. Jimbo is sceptical, given he's been told he is infertile. However, Jodie's insistence there was no one else at the time, and Jimbo's desperate hope there is a chance he can have children, quickly leads him to accept Max as his. Lauren bring in an expert to help her and Chris improve their working relationship.

Guest Starring: Sharyn Hodgson as Jodie, Noel Hodda as Doug, Sebastian Huber as Max

With: John Sheerin as Ronnie, Lloyd Morris as Graham, John Rohan as Principal, Matt Juarez as Tim,

Future, Past and Present

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Episode 1.25
July 22, 1997
Written by Jacquelin Perske
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

An old man, Fred Morgan, dies on Jimbo's plane. Using clues garnered from a trunk Frank was to collect, Jimbo and Chris unravel Fred's story. This involved a bank robbery, a treasure buried for twenty years, the "Wall of Death" motorbike and various other circus tricks and characters and finally, the revelation that Fred was in fact Jimbo's grandfather. Scotty is stunned by Lexie's news that she's getting married and will be resigning. Shay is convinced Lauren is destined to be with Chris.

Guest Starring: John Noble as Graham, John Flaus as Bert Williams

With: John Clayton as Roley, David Baldwin as Alfonso, Blazey Best as Anna, Wyn Roberts as Fred, Sheila Kennelly as Betty, Harry Pavlidis as Vince, Andrew James Mead as Clerk, Gregory Dale as Priest, Vanessa Thomson as Shop Assistant

The Ticking Croc

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Episode 1.26
July 29, 1997
Written by Steve Worland
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Chris is hurt when Robbie rejects his proposition that they go out to celebrate their wedding anniversary. To make matters worse, she has a date. Feeling left behind and forgotten by his ex-wife, Chris takes his feelings out on Scotty.

When an elderly man whose last moments with his dying wife were ruined by noisy air traffic looks to take out his anger, Chris risks his life to intervene and prevents a tragedy.

Meanwhile, a cargo mixup sees Scotty and Jimbo transporting a restless crocodile and Shay ponders her life after receiving an invitation to a friend's wedding.

Guest Starring: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Desmond Kelly as Harry Bowman

With: John Clayton as Roley, Germaine Glancy as Greta Bowman, John Tutt as Ron, Richard Rowe as Sergeant, Ken Gladstone as Clergyman

Down The Slot

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Episode 1.27
August 05, 1997
Written by Paul Brown
Directed by Tony Tilse

Lexie flies to a coal mining town. With their wives away shopping in the city, the miners have run amok. Three of them have lost a bet, to be paid off by flying naked to the beach. When there's an accident at the mine, Lexie has to fly the men back to the mine to help with the rescue.Meanwhile, Jimbo and Scotty, each convinced they know more about women than the other, end up betting on Jimbo's ability to get a date with Lauren.

Guest Starring: Brett Fellows as Dave, Paul Gleeson as Steve, Ben Tari as Ricky, Veronica Neave as Marge, Emma Callaghan as Janelle, Judith Chaplin as Viv,

With: John Clayton as Roley, Richard Cotton as Arch, Marin Mimica as Nigel, Carmel Mullin as Maeve, Alfie Lee as The Wasp, Andrew Hunter as Warwick, Keith Holloway as Arnie

Have a Little Faith

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Episode 1.28
August 12, 1997
Written by Tony McNamara
Directed by Tony Tilse

Jimbo is flying when one of his engines gives out, and then the other. He tries everything to get them going, to no avail. As he plunges to earth, prayer seems the only option. Suddenly, the engines kick back in. To Jimbo it's a miracle. Armed with a new-found faith, Jimbo is inspired to look at his life and joins up with a dodgy preacher to spread the word. Big Sky is audited by an accountant who has an eye for Lauren while Lauren and Chris search for a new pilot.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Lewis Fitz-Gerald as Tom

With: John Clayton as Roley, Harry Pavlidis as Vince, Raj Ryan as Andrew, Rod Zuanic as Billy, 'Cowboy' Bob Purtell as Ted, James Gleeson as Gavin, Kim Knuckey as Detective, Dan Smith as Baz

You Must Remember This

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Episode 1.29
August 19, 1997
Written by Rhett Walton
Directed by Russell Burton

Chris wakes in a strange room on a farm, unsure of how he got there. A woman informs him that they are husband and wife. Chris struggles to regain his memory, despite the efforts of the two women living there to keep him in the dark. In Chris' absence, Jimbo impersonates Chris in dealings with a Malaysian businessman — at great personal expense. Paula abandons a client she has a history.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Helen Thomson as Tessa Coburn, Rebecca Hobbs as Jane Leighton

With: John Clayton as Roley, John Grant as Ben, Don Reid as Uncle Ray, Andrew Buchanan as Murray Chapman, Monroe Reimers as Razak, Chris King as Barman, Chris Herden as Detective Dawson

The Right Thing

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Episode 1.30
August 26, 1997
Written by Chris Phillips
Directed by Russell Burton

On a routine run, Chris discovers major environmental damage to an area of wetlands. Locals attribute the problem to any number of causes, all legally sanctioned and permitted. Chris' frustration grows when he meets a little girl who has a fatal illness as a result of the pollution. Meanwhile, Jimbo looks to branch out into the lucrative world of skywriting, Scotty tries to teach a course to two men who don't speak english, and a storm grounds Paula with a group of priests.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

With: John Clayton as Roley, Nick Atkinson as Brother Luke, Ian McGuinness as Brother Mitch, Robert Alexander as Father Stephen, Alan Lovell as Dave Morgan, Vanessa Downing as Danielle, Christie Brown as Kirsty, Ian Bolt as Dr. Jacobs, Guennadi Doubinski as Mikhail, Rostislav Orel as Sergei, Hugh Sexton as Robert

Fade to Black

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Episode 1.31
September 02, 1997
Written by Grant Fraser
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

Chris damages an eye while playing with his kids and tries to ignore the resulting obstructed vision. Knowing he's unfit to fly, Chris reschedules jobs until he is backed into a corner over accompanying Paula on a job, confessing his problem to Lauren the only other option. Scotty and Jimbo fly a trio of suspicious businessmen into the bush. When only two men return, Jimbo is convinced they've witnessed a murder. Investigating may lead to his own.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Murray Fahey as Mr. Plummer, Glenn Keenan as Mr. Andrews, Richard Healy as Mr. Hammond

With: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, John Clayton as Roley, Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe Manning, Brendan Higgins as Brian Chambers, Suzanne Dudley as Dr. Morrison, Alan Flower as Sergeant Lawrence

Blind Spot

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Episode 1.32
September 09, 1997
Written by Rhett Walton
Directed by Scott Hartford Davis

After Chris is diagnosed with a detached retina, he enters surgery but rejects laurens attempts to comfort him. When Chris is given the all clear for his operation he initiates a romance between Lauren and himself.

Chris' hot shot replacement, an ex-Air Force pilot, runs afoul of Roley and tries to recruit Scotty into his illegal activities. When her bumpy landing results in a lawsuit, Paula sets out to prove her passenger is faking his injury. Scotty dates an older married woman.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Tara Morice as Linda, Steven Vidler as Cameron

With: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, John Clayton as Roley, John Allen as Gordon Prescott, Mick Innes as Max, Cormac Costello as Vic Beecher, Venetia Ilda as Nurse

Take a Chance

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Episode 1.33
September 16, 1997
Written by Annette Moore
Directed by Tony Tilse

Shay is happily planning an upcoming trip to Bali with her girlfriends — her first trip overseas. But plans are put aside when her father has a heart attack; and his drugged ramblings, mixed with inconsistencies with her birth certificate, make Shay realise that she's adopted.

A Perth art gallery executive tries to poach Lauren for a job. She's tempted and to help make a decision, she feels out Chris for where their relationship is going and get's a valuation on Big Sky as a prelude to selling.

Scotty poses as Shay in an online forum to meet women. When he shows up to meet his date in person, neither is who they expected. Jimbo is convinced a spiritualist has cursed on of the planes.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

With: John Clayton as Roley, Helen Scott as Pam, Stephen Leeder as Robert, Michelle Fornasier as Donna, Lucy Egger as Sarah, David Downer as Grant Holdsworthy, Elspeth MacTavish as Dawn Da Silva, Barry Quin as Lawyer, Tiana Fahey-Leigh as Annie, Josh Irving as Jamie, Damien Ryan as Alan, Antonio Barlin as Bartender, Blaise Cooper as Clerk, Valerie Berry as Nurse

Searching For You

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Episode 1.34
September 23, 1997
Written by Jacquelin Perske
Directed by Kate Woods

A distraught woman, Shelley, appeals to Shay to help her escape from what appears to be a case of domestic violence. Touched by her dilemma, Shay organises for her to leave with Jimbo and Lexie on a cargo flight to her sister's house in Merimbula, a nearby coastal town. When her husband arrives at Big Sky looking for her, the rest of the story comes out.

Meanwhile, Lauren is passed over for the art gallery job, Shay decides to find her biological parents, and Chris and Scotty find themselves shuttling a pig between two feuding farmers.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Rhondda Findleton as Shelley, David Roberts as Pete, Helen Scott as Pam

With: John Clayton as Roley, Grant Ryan as Donnie, Scott Swalwell as Justin, Tara Jakszewicz as Lucy, Stephen Rae as Mr. Johnson, Stephen Leeder as Robert, David Downer as Grant Holdsworthy, Bob Swonnell as Bob, Harriet Wilson as Gemma, Josephine Barrett as Police Woman

Wishing and Hoping

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Episode 1.35
September 30, 1997
Written by Greg Millin
Directed by Kate Woods

Jimbo is seduced and then double-crossed by a troubled woman who frames him for murder. Lauren is convinced she is in love with Chris only to be disappointed. Scotty helps Shay search for her biological parents.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Rachel Gordon as Tara/Lisa, Colin Moody as Vince Brown

With: John Clayton as Roley, Peter Pitcher as Ray, Meg Rodgers as Woman, Steve Cox as Barman, Lenny Kovner as Old Man, Michael Cinquetti as Constable, Scott Ferguson as Cop #1, Richard Lindsell as Cop #2

The Choice

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Episode 1.36
October 07, 1997
Written by Dave Warner
Directed by Tony Tilse

Scotty lands to offer assistance at a car accident on a deserted road. He finds two men, one unconscious and cuffed, the other an undercover cop in a hurry. Scotty wants to fly the crim to hospital but the cop demands he fly to Wonegai Homestead where a fellow undercover cop is in peril. Once on the ground, Scotty learns he may have got the situation wrong.

Shay meets her biological mother for the first time. Chris flies a pair of bickering professional wrestlers. Jimbo gets involved with an actress doing research for a new movie role while Chris and Lauren start fighting.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

With: John Clayton as Roley, Steve Le Marquand as Bill, Damien Foley as Joe, Karen Rushworth as Sam, Rocky McDonald as Magnus, Marta Kiec Gubala as Carol, Christine Stephen-Daly as Simone, Garry Who as Ivan, Glenn Shea as Marshall, Rosemary Traynor as Dianne, Chris Simpson as Taxi Driver, Rosie Owens as Waitress

Dark Horses

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Episode 1.37
October 14, 1997
Written by Alexa Wyatt
Directed by Mike Smith

Paula and Lauren have a flutter at a country picnic race and win. The local bookie tries to refuse paying out the sizeable amount until Lauren threatens to go to the police. The locals are clearly unhappy about out of town blow ins cleaning them out and do everything in their power to keep them, and the money, around.

Meanwhile, the power goes to Jimbo's head and the staff revolt when he is put in charge of Big Sky while Chris and Lauren are away, Shay gives her mum a birthday present, and Chris gets jealous over his ex-wife's new boyfriend and is attacked by a client searching for his wife.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Peter Kowitz as Warwick, Peter O'Brien as Tom

With: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, John Clayton as Roley, Marta Kiec-Gubala as Carol Krajicek, Roy Billing as Bob, Joshua Smith as Jack Manning, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe Manning, Rob Steele as Terry, Barry Pearce as Customer, Archer Lyttle as Danny, Lynden Jones as Elwood employee, Robert Noble as Johnny, Phillip De Carle as Man, Charles Ryder as Markham, Alan Chappell as Neal, Jo Briant as Patricia, Leslie Dayman as Philip, Jo Ellicott as Receptionist, Fiona Harris as Attendant, Tonia Peppitt as Barmaid

Edge of Reality

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Episode 1.38
October 21, 1997
Written by Rhett Walton
Directed by Mike Smith

Lauren is shocked to see a man that looks like her supposedly dead father getting into a limousine. She is further puzzled when the limo company tells her the car was hired by a Mr D Allen. Chris laughs it off as a strange coincidence, but is himself convinced when he gets a phone call from Duncan telling him he is alive and okay, but they're not to act on the information for 24 hours.

Scotty and Jimbo's plane is commandeered by a group of soldiers on military exercises. Jimbo decides to covertly follow the men into the bush to see what they're up to but they get caught by enemy soldiers and mistaken for combatants. Robbie's boyfriend has trouble accepting the role Chris maintain in her life.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Peter O'Brien as Tom

With: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, John Clayton as Roley, Ken Radley as Hooks, Malcolm Kennard as Larsen, Graham Harvey as Price, John Clarke as Mancini, Mark Kounnas as Duffy, Robert Davies as Duncan, Ken Senga as Sakato, Julieanne Newbould as Nicola, Warwick Young as Guard Daniel Bird as Detective

Just Between Us

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Episode 1.39
November 04, 1997
Written by ?
Directed by Tony Tilse

Scotty is given the unexpected job of transporting a dead body and is terrified when it starts making noises mid-air, unaware this is normal. Jimbo enjoys Scotty's discomfort, who is furious with landing such a lousy job.

Then, Scotty's plane is chartered by a couple who have kidnapped a sick child. Lexie and Lauren fly a bride with cold feet to her wedding while Chris and Jimbo play peacemaker while transporting the groom. Rolly is tracked down by an old girlfriend who is trapped in an unhappy marriage.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Danielle Long as Michelle, David Terry as Laurie, Kim De Lury as Steve, Celia Dickinson as Ann

With: John Clayton as Roley, David Grocholsky as Jason, Scott Johnson as Nick, Nina Liu as Jasmina, Sue Walker as Monica, Stephen Jenner as Simmonds, Paul Doyle as Chemist, Ken Snodgrass as Man

Phase Five

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Episode 1.40
November 04, 1997
Written by Christopher Lee
Directed by Tony Tilse

Chris is shocked when man leaps to his death during a flight, Chris narrowly missing being able to save him. About his own age and stage in life, Chris is haunted by the man's similarity to himself. This is only compounded by the discovery of the man's suicide note which expresses similar mid-life regrets to those Chris is feeling. Chris takes part in a risky aerobatics competition.

After a bolt of inspiration, Jimbo turns his attention to the art of seduction, using a manipulative, multiphase plan to win Paula's affections.

Chris makes the decision to commit to Lauren unaware she has sold Big Sky, leaving the business in his hands.

Also Starring: Danielle Nuss as Paula

Guest Starring: Roxane Wilson as Robbie, Bruce Samazan as Keiren

With: John Clayton as Roley, Brian Rooney as Jigger, Allegra Hartford Davis as Chloe, David O'Connor as Mac, Brad Haynes as Conroy, John Paul Bolton as Adrian, Alastair Barns as Businessman