australian television information archive

Arrivals

Episode 1
Australia: Friday, May 04, 2001 (4pm, Ten)
Germany: October 09, 2002
Written by Helen MacWhirter, David Phillips
Directed by Michael Carson

Lauren is finding it difficult fitting into her new life in Australia. She had just moved from Canada with her mum, and now she finds herself with a stepbrother and stepfather. But one night, there is a crash, and Lauren gets two house guests — Horace and Tina!

Starring: Jasmine Ellis as Lauren Parker, Jordan White as Max Tate, Matthew Parkinson as Steve Tate, Carolyn Bock as Kimberley Tate, Jackie Kelleher as The Voice of Tina, Frank Gallacher as The Voice of Horace ©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan Watson, Terry Norris as Ern, Victor Bizzotto as Postman, Brett Anderson as Horace Stunt Driver Double, Joanna Nation as Lauren Picture Double

Settling In

Episode 2
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Michael Carson

When Lauren finds an injured wombat, she tells her mum, a vet, who rescues the animal and makes arrangements for it to be released back into the wild. Taking this opportunity to get rid of Horace and Tina, Lauren packs them into the wombat's cage but the pair escape and Max's dog, Sherlock, gets taken away.©tzuk

With: Eddie McShortall as Mr Barker, Dominic Amerena as Beach Boy #1, Jake Notarfrancesco as Beach Boy #2, Joanna Nation as Lauren's Picture Double

Friends

Episode 3
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Richard Jasek

Missing her friends from Canada, Lauren tries to make some new friends at her parents' urging. Irritated by the noisy neighbours, Horace throws a ball out Lauren's window nearly hitting Annabel who is passing by. Max helps his friend TJ chase down his RC truck that Horace has commandeered. Lauren befriends Lachlan, the boy next door, and joins Annabel's softball team.©tzuk

With: Terry Norris as Ern, David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In

Playing Dumb

Episode 4
Written by Robert Greenberg
Directed by Richard Jasek

When she learns that joining the school's Accelerated Learning Program will mean she's not in the same class as Lachlan and Annabel, Lauren deliberately fails her placement exam. Her scheme backfires and her bad performance results in her being moved back a grade. Eager to get his toymaking hands on some metalwork tools, Horace sneaks into the school's workshop to build his new invention.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Sean Scully as Mr Reed, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Leverne McDonnell as Miss Blood, Danny Ritterman as Student #1, Ryan Glerum as Student #2, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In

Seeing Things

Episode 5
Written by Robert Greenberg
Directed by Mandy Smith

Tina asks Horace to keep Steve distracted so she can watch the finale episode of her favourite soap opera, Love & Lace. Meanwhile Max, home from school sick, and his friend TJ are convinced an alien is behind a series of strange occurrences in the house.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Jeremy Stanford as D.I. Knox, John Sheedy as Electrician [Barry Smart], Kate Gorman as Dr Kendrick, Nicholas Kadmos as Locksmith, Olga Krasser as Svetlana [uncredited], Joanna Nation as Lauren Stand In

Coming Together

Episode 6
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Mandy Smith

Irritated by having his sleep interrupted by Lachlan's guitar playing, Horace sabotages his amp which threatens Lachlan's band audition. Steve's shop assistant Margaret walks out after Lauren discovers she cannot read leaving Lauren to run the grocery store by herself.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Isabella Dunwill as Margaret, Leverne McDonnell as Miss Blood, Bill Bennett as Mr Ballinger, Joyce Yuen as Mrs Enstwhistle, Stephen Bayliss as Innocent customer, Robin Bissett as Lady Customer, Lidia Faranda as Ms Costello, Shayne Price as Window Dresser, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In

Party To The Max

Episode 7
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Mandy Smith

Max promises his friends the highlight of his alien-themed birthday party will be an appearance from his favourite tv star — Zergoid! His stepmother Kimberley knows the actor and tries to make it happen but things fall through forcing a change in plans. Tina challenges Harold to make Max a special toy for his birthday.©tzuk

With: Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Ben Stivala as Slamdunk, Richard Taylor as Jason, Nicholas Kadmos as Locksmith, Joanna Nation as Lauren Stand In

Animal Acts

Episode 8
Written by Helen MacWhirter
Directed by Mandy Smith

Max's dog, Sherlock, is constantly barking at Horace who is stealing his food. This brings down the wrath of neighbour Clifford Knox who threatens legal action if the barking doesn't stop. Lauren tries to calm things by giving Harold his own supply of dog food but the barking persists — this time from a burglar. After he is accused of damaging the neighbours' property, Sherlock is confined to Kimberley's vet clinic where the burglar soon appears. But this time Horace is on hand to help catch him.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Terry Norris as Ern, Carl Lennie as TJ, Jeremy Stanford as D.I. Knox, Syd Brisbane as Mr Wilson, Joanna Nation as Lauren Stand In

Squirm

Episode 9
Written by Helen MacWhirter
Directed by Michael Carson

With Lauren too shy to ask out Lachlan despite encouragement from Annabel, Tina takes the initiative at sends him a letter on Lauren's behalf inviting him over to watch a video. To keep Max out of her hair, Lauren bribes him to spend the night in his room. However, Max sets up a hidden camera to spy on Lauren and records her talking with someone invisible. Max wants answers!©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Joanna Nation as Lauren Picture Double

Nelf Rot

Episode 10
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Michael Carson

Tina comes down with a mysterious illness that causes her to become visible whenever she sneezes which leads Annabel to think she's hallucinating after seeing Tina. Horace diagnoses his sister with Nelf Rot, which if not cured will result in Tina becoming visible permanently. When Horace also falls ill, Lauren must locate the cure — ice moss. Meanwhile, Max and TJ continue to investigate Lauren and the off occurrences around the house.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Joanna Nation as Lauren Stand In

Stagefright

Episode 11
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Richard Jasek

Lauren's entry into the school band competition with Annabel and Lachlan faces a challenge from Alicia who wants a chance to audition. Tina tries to help Lauren overcome her stagefright but her performance is sabotaged by Alicia and her friends resulting in Alicia taking her spot in the band with Lauren relegated to the tambourine. Meanwhile, Horace fixes a toy mouse that responds to sounds.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Sean Scully as Mr Reed, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Leverne McDonnell as Miss Blood, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Jessica Hillman as Violin Hand Double

Dear Diary

Episode 12
Written by Sue Hore
Directed by Michael Carson

Determined to finally learn what Lauren is hiding in her bedroom, Max and his friend TJ try to steal Lauren's diary but Tina is able to keep it safe by hiding it in the treehouse. Unfortunately, Horace finds it and only offers to give it back to Lauren in exchange for welding equipment.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Terry Norris as Ern, Aljin Abella as Josh

Note: Hannah Greenwood and Aljin Abella will star in Legacy of the Silver Shadow the following year

Crunch Time

Episode 13
Written by Sue Hore
Directed by Mandy Smith

Lauren is supposed to be returning to Canada for two weeks to visit her father but has secretly decided to make the move a permanent one. The family is already running late for the airport when Lauren discovers Max and TJ have captured Horace in their alien trap necessitating a swift Nelf rescue.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Carl Lennie as TJ, Jeremy Stanford as D.I. Knox, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Matthew Ellis as Max Stand In

School Camp

Episode 14
Written by Michael Joshua
Directed by Richard Jasek

With Lauren no longer going to Canada, the family's travel plans also fall through. Fortunately, Tina gets Lauren into the school camping trip allowing her family to go on vacation. Lachlan and Annabel are still upset about Lauren's willingness to leave them behind and move back to Canada and have started to hang out with Alicia and Harmony. Wanting to support Lauren, Tina and Horace stow away on the camp bus.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Bonnie Marie Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Leverne McDonnell as Miss Blood, Gil Tucker as Ranger Hugo Mason, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Stephen Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

A Bad Influence

Episode 15
Written by Marieke Hardy
Directed by Mandy Smith

Max and TJ are once again in search of the invisible alien but now they are armed with hitech police equipment from TJ's father. Annabel decides to throw an eclipse party in an effort to restore Lauren and Lachlan's friendship. However, Lauren is reluctant to leave the boys alone in the house with Horace and Tina and keeps running back home to help Tina keep the boys at bay.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Carl Lennie as TJ, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Jeremy Stanford as D.I. Knox, Mark Blackmore as D.S. Rix

Nelf Day

Episode 16
Written by David Hannam
Directed by Mandy Smith

It's Nelf Day! In addition to the traditional feast, it is the one the day of the year when Nelf's must grant any wish they hear. If Horace and Tina fail to grant a wish by sunset, they will loss their Nelf powers — and Tina has just heard Max's wish to know what Lauren is hiding in her bedroom! While Lauren searches for a loophole to keep her secret, Horace is kept busy granting every stray wish the family makes.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Matthew Ellis as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

The Cover Up

Episode 17
Written by David Hannam
Directed by Richard Jasek

Kimberley and Steve have planned a big family dinner to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Unfortunately, Lachlan's band has its first gig the same night and Lauren is determined to go despite her mother's insistence that she has to spend the evening with her family. Tina and Horace try to cover for Lauren when she sneaks out.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Aljin Abella as Josh, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony

Tina & Ern

Episode 18
Written by John Coulter
Directed by David Cameron

Kimberley grounds Lauren after finding Steve's old love letters in Lauren's bedroom that Tina had taken to read. Tina falls for Lachlan's grandfather, Ern, after speaking to him over the back fence, but to keep her anonymity, says she is Svetlana, the Tate's housekeeper. Lauren and Annabel try help Max retrieve his stolen bicycle.©tzuk

With: Terry Norris as Ern, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, David Sacher as Lachlan, Carl Lennie as TJ, Ben Stivala as Slamdunk, Julian Jones as Spike, Olga Krasser as Svetlana, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Matthew Ellis as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Problem Student

Episode 19
Written by John Coulter
Directed by Richard Jasek

Horace's new invention is hobbled when Lauren reclaims the motor (originally from her music box) for a school project she's doing with Annabel and Lachlan. Lauren tries to keep Horace from stealing the motor but Horace is one step ahead and destroys the project to get the motor. A distressed Lauren is made to speak to the school counsellor. Frustrated, she blurts out about the little creatures that live in her bedroom resulting in the counsellor making a visit to her home.©tzuk

With: David Sacher as Lachlan, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Leverne McDonnell as Miss Blood, Matthew Dyktynski as Warwick Bell, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Nowhere To Hide

Episode 20
Written by Jutta Goetze
Directed by Richard Jasek

While the house is being repainted, Horace seizes the opportunity to paint his new toy duck. Horace gets paint all over his hands making them visible to Max who brings in TJ and Spike to scour the house for the green-handed alien. Rejected from contributing to Lachlan an Josh's band, Lauren writes a song of her own.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, David Sacher as Lachlan, Aljin Abella as Josh, Julian Jones as Spike, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Abracadabra

Episode 21
Written by Jutta Goetze
Directed by Richard Jasek

Max, who dreams of becoming a famous magician, is given the opportunity to audition for the Great Zambini's tv show. Unfortunately, Max's tricks only work when Tina helps. Lauren gives Horace's new toy, a robot dog, to Margaret to repair after Max breaks it. Horace holds Lauren's ballerina figurine hostage until the toy is returned.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Ben Stivala as Slamdunk, Julian Jones as Spike, Isabella Dunwill as Margaret, Jasper Bagg as The Great Zambini, Fiona McLeod as The Great Zambini's Manager, Ruth Callum as Shopper #1, Ramona Angelico as Shopper #2, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Note: Ramona Angelico, getting some screen time as the shopper who wants to buy the vase, is mostly credited as Lauren's Stand In for the series

Dancing Partners

Episode 22
Written by David Phillips
Directed by ?

Lauren is hesitant to ask Lachlan to the school dance only to learn his band will be playing and he won't have time to dance with anyone. She quickly accepts when Rory, the captain of the football team, asks her to the dance only to have Lachlan then cancel his gig hoping to take her. Meanwhile, Horace terrorises the neighbourhood when he steels a child's toy car.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, David Sacher as Lachlan, Bonnie Maree Piesse as Alicia, Rebecca Moutien as Harmony, Aljin Abella as Josh, Jaime Reyne as Rory, Alexander Ramsey as Simon Birdwood, Greg Stone as Mr Birdwood, Aaron Collins as Bruce, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Note: there is no directing credit given for this episode, instead the writing credit appears twice

The Great Train Robbery

Episode 23
Written by David Phillips
Directed by David Cameron

TJ brings his father's train set over to the Tates' house but Horace steals the train engine in search of parts to help him regain his title of top toy designer. Horace accuses Tina and Lauren of holding him back and leaves for somewhere he can be a real toy maker — a toy store. TJ and Max take the train back to the store hoping to get it repaired but it is too far gone thanks to Horace's tinkering. Unable to afford a new train, TJ wants to steal it but Max is the one who gets caught.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Jeremy Stanford as D.I. Knox, Tom Budge as Cameron, Anthony Jackson as Pest Control Man, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Best Friend

Episode 24
Written by Kris Mrksa
Directed by David Cameron

Lauren is excited to spend time with Dee, her best friend from Canada, when she arrives for a visit. Things get off to a bad start when Lauren reveals she's not moving back to Canada causing Dee to try to ruin her friendship with Annabel and Lachlan so Lauren will have no reason to stay in Australia. Forced to relocated from his workshop in Lauren's closet, Horace causes havoc around the house.©tzuk

With: Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, David Sacher as Lachlan, Ebonnie Masini as Dee, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Note: Guest stars Ebonnie Masini and Tom Budge (previous ep) both appeared in series 3 and 4 of Round The Twist (1998, 2000)

Number One Again

Episode 25
Written by Jutta Goetze
Directed by Richard Jasek

In his ongoing quest to regain his status as the number one toy designer, Horace steals a part from one of the refrigerators in Steve's store resulting in a fire that destroys the uninsured shop. Tina is furious when she learns Horace was responsible for the fire and demands he find a solution that will stop the Tate family from losing their house. Lauren makes a passionate appeal to the department store owner who wants to buy the house and tear it down, but it is Horace who saves the day when he creates his best toy yet!©tzuk

With: Terry Norris as Ern, Hannah Greenwood as Annabel, David Sacher as Lachlan, Isabella Dunwill as Margaret, Nathan King as Fire Chief, Simon Palomares as Real Estate Agent, Elizabeth Sandy as Mariel, Daniel Haritos as Trent, Dennis Coard as Mr Belvedere, Marg Downey as Mrs Belvedere, Giles Rittman as Sebastian Belvedere, Soula Alexander as Secretary [Jennifer], Neil Vinson as Kid #1, Joshua Yeung as Kid #2, Steven Bahnsen as Kid #3, Simon Rogers as Mr Figgis, Katy Brinson as PA Announcer, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double

Goodbye

Episode 26
Written by Jutta Goetze
Directed by David Cameron

It is Christmas Eve and Tina reminds Lauren that she and Horace will be leaving on Santa's sleigh in just a few hours, never to see one another again. Max sees Lauren talking to the "invisible alien" in her bedroom and calls on TJ to help him catch it before it leaves on the spaceship. Tina uncovers their plan and concocts an elaborate ruse to fool the boys so she and Horace can be safely on their way but Horace can't resist taking a souvenir and almost ruins the entire plan.©tzuk

With: Carl Lennie as TJ, Ramona Angelico as Lauren Stand In, Steven Caine as Max Stand In, Rohan Paterson as Horace Performance Double, Ninian LePage-O'Brien as Tina Performance Double