australian television information archive

Look, Up In the Sky

Episode 4.01 (77)
Written by John Alsop
Directed by Mark Callan

Two hot-air balloons drop in on the clinic run. As the Nomad is in for some expensive repairs, a balloon race is organised to raise funds. Kate and Geoff serve as navigators in the rival balloons but things do not run according to plan when one of the pilots develops a hernia mid-flight. Meanwhile, news of an affair results in someone impetuously leaving town. Sam buys an old plane that needs repairs. Paula's attraction towards Geoff becomes a little too obvious and he feels very uncomfortable.

Starring: Robert Grubb as Dr. Geoffrey Standish, Liz Burch as Dr Chris Randall, Lenore Smith as Kate Standish, Peter O'Brien as Sam Patterson

Regulars: Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: William Zappa as Brian, Mark Kounnas as Matthew, Sue Jones as Lorraine, Maxine Klibingaitis as Kylie, Geoffrey Graham as Engineer, Howard Bell as Ian, Ray Chubb as Hendo

Preacher Man

Episode 4.02 (78)
W: Alan Hopgood
D: Mark Callan

Religious fervour comes to the outback when evangelist Teddy Faithful hits town. Even the cynics are won over by the man's charm, but the doctors become concerned when faith-healing is mentioned. Could Faithful be deceiving the faithful? Paula is inspired by the evangelist and wants to leaving Coopers Crossing with him. When the truth comes out, there is plenty of soul searching to go around.

Regulars: Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Drew Forsythe as Edward "Teddy" Faithful, Elaine Smith as Jenny Rose, Danny Nash as Brett Cameron, Brenda Addie as Vera Simpson, John Jacobs as Ken Simpson

The Fear - Part 1

Episode 4.03 (79)
W: Andrew Kennedy
D: Brendan Maher

Australian-American relations are strained when Kimberley White returns to the Crossing with her son Todd, who rapidly alienates everyone with his caustic remarks. When Todd is injured and refuses to leave the hospital for physical therapy, Chris diagnoses him with an anxiety disorder. Marty gets Sam and Geoff to apologise to Paula for the way they've been treating her.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Nancy Black as Kimberly White, Damon Herriman as Donnie White, Syd Conabere as Billy Daniels, Christopher Stevenson as Ted Rowley, Kole Dysart as Danny Duncan

The Fear - Part 2

Episode 4.04 (80)
W: David Boutland
D: Brendan Maher

Todd conquers his agoraphobia in dramatic circumstances, and a grateful Kimberley leaves a parting gift for the town — a large donation to fund a new indoor sports centre. Marty gives DJ a hard time for using a malodorous hair-growth tonic to maintain his hairline.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Nancy Black as Kimberly White, Damon Herriman as Donnie White, Robin Dene as Frank Langley, Kole Dysart as Danny Duncan, Tim Scally as Worker

Fair Go

Episode 4.05 (81)
W: Shane Brennan
D: Paul Moloney

Long-serving flying postman Frank Langley retires. His replacement quickly upsets everyone by doubling postage rates, dropping mail from the air, and asking for payment for what were once acts of good will. Chris and Jack start planning for the new sports centre but run up against Baxter who wants to redirect Kimberly White's money into an upgrade to the park named after his grandfather.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Gary Sweet as Nick Sanderson, Robin Dene as Frank Langley, Meg Clancy as Gail Morris, John Egan as Col Morris, Barbara Jungwirth as Helen, William Binks as Mechanic

Broken Airwaves

Episode 4.06 (82)
W: Denise Morgan
D: Paul Moloney

Kate feels taken for granted by her colleagues and resigns to compete in a rodeo. However, she soon finds herself in desperate need of the Flying Doctors when she receives a head injury after being thrown from her horse in the remote bush. Meanwhile, Sam and Emma are finding life on the farm difficult, Chris and Jack search for volunteers to build the sports center, and Emma gives Marty shares in the garage which he flips on to Vic to cover his growing tab at the pub.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Robert Muddyman as Willo, Monty Maizels as Builder [Frank], Keith Kaye as Stockman, Paul Dawber as Mr. Scott, Louise Miller as Mrs. Scott, Heather Lindhe as Mrs Martin

Bed and Board

Episode 4.07 (83)
W: Luis Bayones
D: Brendan Maher

A mysterious stranger arrives in town looking for Maggie. Emma jumps at the chance to hire him to work on her and Sam's property but Maggie is terrified of him. The man walked out on Maggie 30 years ago and has returned hoping to reconcile but is unaware of a tragedy in her past. Construction starts on the sports centre. Sam begins giving flying lessons.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Bryan Marshall as Ron Hawkins, Christopher Stevenson as Ted Rowley, Bill Medley as Tom Bishop

Breaking the Drought

Episode 4.08 (84)
W: John Reeves
D: Brendan Maher

Lucy is hospitalised with vertigo after collapsing at the pub. In her and Vic's absence, Marty and Paula fill in behind the bar. However, Emma fires Marty when she learns he is moonlighting at the pub where things quickly descend into chaos. Dougie accidentally causes a fire while visiting his cousin who falls ill requiring a visit from the RFDS. Sam and Emma face financial ruin on their farm when the dams run dry in the midst of a drought. People get the wrong idea when Paula spends the night with Marty. A nieve but well-equipped bureaucrat breaks down in the bush.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Lesley Baker as Lucy, Warren Owens as Dougie, Tom E. Lewis as Billy, Jedda Cole as Myra, James Cox as Noel, Tracy Harvey as Venus, Ian Shrives as Mick

Family Secrets, Part 1

Episode 4.09 (85)
W: Tony Morphett
D: Mark Defriest

A handsome stranger appears in town and surprises everyone by revealing himself to be Geoff's older brother. He quickly becomes a favourite with the townsfolk, but Geoff makes no secret of the fact that he doesn't like him. Barry convinces Vic to call in his bad debts and get people to pay in labour and building material to get the sports centre built. Geoff receives a hero's welcome after he saves a child from drowning.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Nancy Black as Kimberly White, Vince Martin as Barry Standish, Debra Ann Smith as Mother, John Raaen as Para Manager, Paula Hudson as Secretary, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Note: the Old Codgers return having last appeared in 3.05

Family Secrets, Part 2

Episode 4.10 (86)
W: Tony Morphett
D: Mark Defriest

Geoff's brother has become very popular with Coopers Crossing, but only Geoff knows his true character. When Barry makes a play for Kate, she ignores Geoff's warnings — to her cost. Barry quickly wears out his welcome with his bad debts and the brothers resolve their differences with their fists out behind the pub. Kate decides she needs some time away from Geoff and Coopers Crossing.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Vince Martin as Barry Standish, Kiralee Badham as Shani, Stephen Richards as Stockman, Greg Glendinning as Patient No. 1, Jonas Leigh as Patient No. 2, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

All You Need Is Luck

Episode 4.11 (87)
W: Annie Beach
D: Colin Budds

Fertility issues complicate matters for a woman who is intent on marrying a man ten years her junior. Penny Armstrong, Kate's temporary replacement, is late for her first day. Her and Maggie's families don't get along and Penny's appearance dredges up painful memories for Maggie. Sam and Emma try to help by inviting Maggie to stay at the farm. Geoff turns into a petrol-head when he gets behind the wheel of The Beast.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Tracy Mann as Penny Armstrong, David Reyne as Russ Evans, Briony Behets as Jean Lambert, Lesley Baker as Lucy Somers, Paul Young as Auctioneer Christopher Stevenson as Ted Rowley, Paul Davison as Wayne

The Silly Season

Episode 4.12 (88)
W: Cliff Green
D: Colin Budds

On a dark and stormy night, a strange encounter on a rural road ends in a car accident and two men in hospital. The next day, one of the men captivates the town with a tale of his close encounter with a UFO with hopes of luring in the press. Jack's investigation of the driver attracts the attention of the government who are eager to keep the man's story from going public. The Nomad is struck by lightning forcing Sam to make an emergency landing with no lights or radio. Chris doesn't want to get involved with Emma's search for Maggie's son. Geoff decides to hang on to The Beast.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Tracy Mann as Penny Armstrong, Wallas Eaton as Lloyd Somerset, James Melchior as Jamie, Peter Farago as Inspector Roberts

Every Situation

Episode 4.13 (89)
W: Michael Joshua
D: Arch Nicholson

After opening a new youth crisis centre in Canberra, Baxter is pressured in front of the media into taking on two teenage delinquents to work on his property. The pair cause no end of trouble but Baxter still manages to turn it to his advantage. One of Baxter's station hands is hospitalised after a heart attack and loses his job when Baxter refuses to reduce his workload. Meanwhile, Chris grows concerned about her own health and Sam and Emma encounter Maggie's brother.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Tracy Mann as Penny Armstrong, Martin Vaughan as "Davo" Davidson, Mitch Ambrose as Rick Mansell, Smiley Rowe as Alan Dougherty, Alan Hopgood as Neil Hutton, Christopher Stevenson as Ted Rowley

The Storyteller

Episode 4.14 (90)
W: Shane Brennan
D: Arch Nicholson

Jack invites Chris to an Aboriginal corroboree. The next day, Dougie is accused of assaulting a white farmer. Jack knows that he is innocent, so is puzzled when Dougie insists on owning up to the crime. Chris learns she has a tumor but decides to forego surgery, opting to treat it with medication. Marty tries to assemble a V8 engine in world record time. Sam reunites Maggie and her estranged brother who provides her details of her son's whereabouts.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Tracy Mann as Penny Armstrong, Warren Owens as Dougie Kennedy, Tim Robertson as Bernie Gallagher, Linda Hartley as Linda Gallagher, Tom E. Lewis as Tommy Baringa, Alan Hopgood as Neil Hutton, Roderick Williams as Gordon, Gnarnarjarah Waitarrie Bwung-Gul Culture Group as Corroboree Dancers

Note: Tom E. Lewis just appeared in 4.08 in another role.

The Choice

Episode 4.15 (91)
W: Denise Morgan
D: Mark Defriest

When a plane crash leaves two sisters seriously injured, Sam must make a dangerous landing to get the doctors to the scene. With limited space on the plane, the man the sisters live with has to make a difficult choice about which woman to save. Kate returns from her break determined to make her separation from Coopers Crossing permanent. It falls on Geoff to convince her to stay. Sam leaves Emma alone to look after a group of demanding shearers. Chris travels to Sydney for an operation. Emma wants to learn how to fly.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Tracy Mann as Penny Armstrong, Chris Milne as Robert Morton, Kim Krejus as Sanda Garvey, Linda Newton as Kerry Garvey, Dick Moss as Les Winger, Kevin Cotter as Bruce, John Sadler as Gavin, Keith Kay as Charlie

A Shade of Doubt

Episode 4.16 (92)
W: Neil Luxmoore
D: Mark Defriest

After a close call in the air with another plane, Sam lands to find the other pilot passed out at the controls. Marty takes an interest in the young Asian woman the man is travelling with. She claims to be the man's daughter but when Geoff diagnoses the man with typhoid, the local rumour mill quickly spins out of control revealing deep-rooted prejudice among the townsfolk. Sam's refusal to teach Emma to fly leads to a battle of willpower. Spiros and Katina Polites host a party for DJ's Name Day.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Burt Cooper as Gary Arnold, Pei-Ling Lim as Su Arnold, Nick Lathouris as Spiros Polites, Christine Kaman as Katina Polites, William Binks as Reg, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Mick and Julia

Episode 4.17 (93)
W: Luis Bayonas
D: Brendan Maher

An elderly couple on the run from their families arrive in Coopers Crossing and quickly befriend the locals. Mick Jones prides himself on his excellent health and takes part in the town's fun run. However, Mick's participation in the race ends in tragedy. Chris returns from Sydney with some devastating news and finally confides in Jack about her condition.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Gary Sweet as Nick Sanderson, John Spicer as Mick, June Collis as Julia, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

The Deal

Episode 4.18 (94)
W: Tony Morphett
D: Brendan Maher

When a governess at a remote outback station suffers a severe asthma attack, her son makes a pact with God to ensure her recovery. Father Jacko has some work to do when he learns the boy offered up his own life in exchange for that of his mother. After DJ learns about Chris' heart tumour from Jack, Chris comes clean to her closest friends.

Regulars: Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Sydney Jackson as Father Jacko, Phillip Hancock as Tim Davies, Jan Friedl as Marjorie Davis, Che Broadbent as Robert Gardiner, Olivia Rice as Harriet Gardiner, Peter Heath as Mr Gardiner, Leigh Morgan as Mrs. Gardiner, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Note: Sydney Jackson last appeared in episode 2.24

A Thing of Beauty

Episode 4.19 (95)
W: Brian Wright
D: Marcus Cole

An artist friend of Emma's arrives for a visit but Emma is concerned she has an eating disorder. Geoff and Kate take their first tentative steps towards stabilising their relationship. Sam and Emma are excited by the potential of a big payout from mineral exploration on their property. Paula recruits some reluctant models for her fashion parade. Marty has a vision to franchise out the garage.

Regulars: Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Emily Weare as Jenny "Fletch", John Flaus as Reg Clark

Cadenza

Episode 4.20 (96)
W: Alan Hopgood
D: Marcus Cole

Culture comes to Coopers Crossing in the shape of the Junior Strings of Melbourne. Baxter hires the group to play at his black tie soiree which causes an outbreak of snobbery and resentment when only the doctors are deemed worthy of an invitation. A 16-year-old violinist with a crush on Emma faces a career-ending injury.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Elspeth Ballantyne as Wendy Ross, Johnathon Kernutt as Andrew Carrington, Jack Mobbs as Harry, Erik Donnison as Edward Benjamin, Ray Chubb as Clarrie, Martin Barr as Boy, Junior Strings of Melbourne (Musical Director Brian Finlayson)

Mates

Episode 4.21 (97)
W: Shane Brennan
D: Mandy Smith

Vic needs to find the money to pay for his sister-in-law's medical treatment in New York. With Chris grounded from flying, Kate suggests Sam take her up in the Tiger Moth to take her mind off her troubles. Farrier Luke Mitchell drifts into town and makes himself at home filling in for Vic at the pub. Luke loses all his possessions and is injured when his vehicle explodes necessitating a longer stay in town. On his 60th birthday, Vic agrees to sell the pub to Luke unaware it is Baxter who is putting up the money for the deposit.

Regulars: Bruce Barry as George Baxter, Gerard Kennedy as Luke Mitchell, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Maurie Fields as Vic Buckley

Guests: Doug Bennett as Bob Evans, Paul Young as Estate Agent, Bruce Crowl as Farmer, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Notes: Maurie Fields' final appearance in series 4. Gerard Kennedy's debut as Luke Mitchell (he appeared in another role way back in 1.17). Another guest appearance for Paul Young who usually appears as an auctioneer.

The Child

Episode 4.22 (98)
W: David Boutland
D: Mandy Smith

There is astonishment among the townsfolk when a new grandfather announces his grandson's birth as the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Chris has to cope with fears about her forthcoming operation in Sydney. Maggie is dismayed by Luke's laissez-faire attitude towards running the pub.

Regulars: Gerard Kennedy as Luke Mitchell, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson

Guests: Bruce Myles as Ray Jenkins, Alice Garner as Alice Jenkins, Craig Sherbourne as Johnno, Chris McLean as Property Owner, Murray Shanaughan as Youth No. 1, David McMurray as Youth No. 2

Note: the 2nd known tv role for Alice Garner (Seachange, The Secret Life of Us)

Next To Go

Episode 4.23 (99)
W: Tony Morphett
D: Brendan Maher

Jack makes sure Chris' father is on hand when she arrives in Sydney for her life-or-death operation, but she still has other things on her mind. Marty cruises to a controversial victory in the town's bunyip race fundraiser. Chris comes through her operation but there's tragic news about one of her young friends in the Children's ward.

Regulars: Gerard Kennedy as Luke Mitchell, Terry Gill as Sgt. Carruthers, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson, Warren Owens as Dougie Kennedy

Guests: Norman Kaye as William Randall, Louise Pajo as Maureen Redmond, Andrew Ferguson as Jamie, Helen Noonan as Sister Mary Castellari, Yvette Bentata as Nurse, Jacinta Stapleton as Cindy, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Note: one of Jacinta Stapleton's earliest roles.

Gotta Have Friends

Episode 4.24 (100)
W: Denise Morgan
D: Brendan Maher

Maggie's life is turned upside down by the arrival of an old friend who challenges her about what she's doing with her life. Geoff has a depressed donkey on his hands. Paula invites herself to move in with Kate until Chris returns. Maggie writes a letter to her estranged son. In response to the rumours that they are an item, Geoff asks Kate to move in with him — after they get married.

Regulars: Gerard Kennedy as Luke Mitchell, Rebecca Gibney as Emma Patterson, George Kapiniaris as D.J., Marie Redshaw as Maggie Hutton, Mark Neal as Marty Jarvis, Vikki Blanche as Paula Patterson

Guests: Jill Perryman as Josie Stirling, Lois Collinder as Mabel, Frank Ottenson as Old Codger 1, Herb Krause as Old Codger 2

Note: Liz Burch does not appear. The final episode for Marie Redshaw, Mark Neal and the Old Codgers