(131 – 170) (40 episodes)
Australian airdates – June 23 1997 – August 28 1997 – ABC. First 20 episodes only. The ABC then showed repeats from the start of series 4 and recommenced with the final 20 episodes from series 6 from July 1 1998 – September 8 1998.
UK airdates – October 21 1997 – December 1 1998 (including occasional breaks for Wimbledon, World Cup, Christmas and other special events) – BBC2.
1 (131):
First aired on Monday June 23, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday June 24, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Geoffrey Bennett
The gang transfer to Hartley Heights, and are treated as rejects by the existing students. New principal Di Barnett refuses to do anything about it, so it is left to Anita to argue the new students’ case in a student council meeting. Bailey struggles to adjust to someone else dictating the rules, and butts heads with Barnett. Existing Hartley Heights students Kurt, Nikki and Dennis first appear, and Ryan and Kurt take an instant dislike to each other as they battle for Nikki’s affections. Unhappy at the new school, Mel considers transferring to a private school.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis Klinsmann (he will join the main cast in episode 38 (168). Note – Andrea Moor (Di Barnett) joins the cast and crew as drama coach. Also introduced were Fleur Beaupart as Nikki Ruark and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor as Kurt Peterson)
2 (132):
First aired on Wednesday June 25, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday June 26, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Geoffrey Bennett
Kurt is worried when Barnett hires his alcoholic father, Barry, a former professional player, to coach the school football team. A scout selects Anita to be the face of science, as part of a campaign to encourage girls to take up the subject. Owner of the Shark Pool, Leo, is on the run from the police, so Mel’s dad, Tony, takes over as manager. Mai and Draz aren’t happy when Mel starts ordering them around, and Ryan gets Nikki a gig at the reopening of the Shark Pool.
(Guest stars Andy Anderson as Barry, and Jim Holt as Tony. Note – the last episode for Nico Lathouris as drama coach)
3 (133):
First aired on Monday June 30, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 1, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Lynn Hegarty
New teacher Gerrard Albers arrives, and appears to be unfairly segregating the students. Hilary graduates with a degree in Psychology, and is offered her dream job in Melbourne. Nikki enters a talent contest in a local bar, and Ryan goes along to support her. Anita convinces Ryan to stay home on the night of the grand final so they can convince their mother they are responsible enough to live without her, and Kurt is happy to take Ryan’s place.
(Note – final episode for Tina Bursill as Hilary Scheppers and first episode for Frederick Miragliotta as Gerrard Albers)
4 (134):
First aired on Wednesday July 2, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 3, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Lynn Hegarty
Bailey confiscates Drazic’s magazine in class when he catches him admiring a picture of a nude model, so Draz takes revenge by sticking the poster on Bailey’s teaching material in the next class. Mai and Draz receive an eviction notice, and Mai finds another warehouse, but they can’t move in for another week. Mai and Draz move into the Scheppers place temporarily, and Anita and Draz want to make the arrangement permanent. Nikki invites Kurt to a party to celebrate her success in the talent contest, but Nikki is angry when Kurt makes a scene in front of a record company bigwig.
(Note – final episode for Peter Sumner as Les Bailey)
5 (135):
First aired on Monday July 7, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 8, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Lisa Hoppe
Directed by Malcolm McDonald
Anita and Ryan’s father Jeff arrives from Newcastle, and Anita is angry when he starts being dictatorial with her, while seeming to allow Ryan much more freedom. Disabled student Andrew, who has muscular dystrophy, arrives, and Albers asks Mel to buddy him, but he is resentful of being treated differently to any other student. Mai and Drazic struggle to pay the higher rent at the new warehouse, and start stealing food from the Shark Pool.
(Guest stars Andrew McFarlane as Jeff, and David Price as Andrew)
6 (136):
First aired on Wednesday July 9, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 10, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Malcolm McDonald
Kurt’s dad doesn’t turn up for football training, so Kurt takes over as coach. Ryan is unwilling to take orders from his love rival, and walks out of training. On his way home, Ryan discovers Kurt’s dad drunk in his car. Mel and Andrew get closer while working on the school newspaper, but Mel is reluctant to start a relationship until after her exams. Mai is angry when Barnett accuses her of not considering the environment, so her and Nikki decide to get revenge using their science project.
(Guest stars Andrew McFarlane as Jeff, Andy Anderson as Barry, and David Price as Andrew. Note – final episode for Rebecca Smart as Melanie Black)
7 (137):
First aired on Monday July 14, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 15, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Phil McAloon
Directed by Geoffrey Bennett
The class put Arthur Phillip, the founder of Sydney, on trial, played by Kurt, while Drazic acts as judge. Ryan and Mai are the prosecution team, and when Mai wants to use the subject of alcohol against Kurt, Ryan is reluctant, aware of Kurt’s problems with his dad. Anita and Ryan are in for a surprise when Jeff’s partner Sharon arrives at the house with their new baby brother, James. Angry that her dad didn’t tell them about the baby, Anita refuses to attend the christening. Drazic’s old mate D’Espo moves in with him and Mai, but Draz kicks him out when he tries to come between him and Mai.
(Guest stars Mario Gamma as Peter “D’Espo” D’Esposito, who will later become part of the main cast from episode 21 (151), Andrew McFarlane as Jeff, Laura Keneally as Sharon, and Jake and Dylan Craft as baby James.)
8 (138):
First aired on Wednesday July 16, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 17, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Keith Thompson
Directed by Geoffrey Bennett
Kurt struggles to deal with his dad’s alcoholism, and goes off the rails when he finds out his dad was fired and has been pretending to go to work. Anita and Ryan struggle to cope with schoolwork when James won’t stop crying at night, and the baby causes problems in Anita and Drazic’s relationship when Anita is too tired to go out with him. Mai writes an article for the school paper about students with financial troubles, after talking to Nikki about her struggle to get by. Nikki is angry with Mai when other students, guessing the inspiration for the article, start mocking her.
(Guest stars Andy Anderson as Barry, Andrew McFarlane as Jeff, Laura Keneally as Sharon, and Jake and Dylan Craft as baby James)
9 (139):
First aired on Monday July 21, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 22, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Kath Livingstone and her daughter Sarah arrive at the Scheppers’, Kath hired by Jeff as the new housekeeper, and Anita and Ryan are taken aback by how strict Kath is. When Barnett hears of a fight between schools, she hires a security guard to search the students’ bags for weapons before they enter the school. The guard goes overboard when Drazic brings in a water pistol disguised as a gun. Kurt takes Nikki to the local aquarium, and the pair start dating.
(Note – first episode for Elaine Hudson as Kath Livingstone and Nathalie Roy as Sarah Livingstone)
10 (140):
First aired on Wednesday July 23, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 24, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Anita asks Sarah if she wants to go out on a school night with her and her friends, but Kath puts her foot down. Eventually, Kath relents and allows Sarah to go to the movies with Anita and Drazic, but Drazic isn’t happy about Sarah tagging along. Mai is put in a dangerous situation when Stanley, who is fleeing from the immigration authorities, hides at the warehouse. Ryan goes to great lengths to secure Nikki a meeting with a record company mogul, but he fails to show up. After witnessing a seal at the aquarium that has swallowed a plastic bag, Kurt becomes more serious about the environment.
(Guest stars Ponsinh Boutkaska as Stanley)
11 (141):
First aired on Monday July 28, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 29, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Tim Gooding
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Sarah shows Anita how to use the internet, and Anita gets into danger when she agrees to meet her new cyber friend in a park. Drazic, also new to the internet, gets into trouble with Customs when he bulk buys CDs to sell to the kids at school. The football team prepares for an inter-school game, but Barry feels unable to continue coaching them. Kurt sacks his drunk dad from coaching the football team, and takes over himself. Nikki films Mai performing as a human sculpture in the local shopping centre, and they catch a pickpocket on camera.
(Guest stars Andy Anderson as Barry)
12 (142):
First aired on Wednesday July 30, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 31, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Barry persuades Ryan to rejoin the football team for an inter-school game. Jealous of Kurt and Nikki getting together, Ryan tackles him during practice, and Kurt goes to hospital with spinal injuries. Mai organises a helpline for students, run from the shed. Drazic makes himself a nuisance while Mai is trying to help people, but later shows a more sensitive side. Anita and Sarah sign Kath up with a dating service without telling her, and are put in an awkward situation when an unknown man turns up on their doorstep.
(Guest stars Marcel Bracks (who later plays Lee) as Dave the suicide caller, and Andy Anderson as Barry)
13 (143):
First aired on Monday August 4, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 5, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Andrew Prowse
The students exclude Ryan after his bashing of Kurt. Ryan develops a drug habit when he skives school and crosses paths with drug dealer Mario. The class starts studying How Does Your Garden Grow? by Jim McNeil in Albers’ class, a play about life in prison. When she discovers that the play contains bad language, Kath goes to Hartley to protest to Barnett, and humiliates Sarah by dragging her out of class. Kurt is concerned when Barry takes a job at the local football club.
(Guest stars Michael Raft as Mario, and the last appearance of Andy Anderson as Barry)
14 (144):
First aired on Wednesday August 6, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 7, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Lisa Hoppe
Directed by Andrew Prowse
When the injured Kurt returns to school and is almost hurt again on the basketball court, Nikki pesters Barnett to set up first-aid classes. Sarah does some research into her family for her history project, and discovers that Kath has been lying to her about her father. Ryan steals Anita’s money and the school video camera to buy more drugs. Recognising the signs, Drazic tries to tell him what he’s getting himself into, but Ryan ignores him.
(Guest stars Rachel Cleland as Vicki)
15 (145):
First aired on Monday August 11, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 12, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Malcolm McDonald
Nikki phones into a radio show to sing on air, and is invited to the studio to meet a record producer. Barnett notices Ryan’s grades have been slipping, and advises him to get counselling, but he quits school. Ryan tries to sell drugs in the Shark Pool, so Draz throws him out. Drazic takes advantage of Sarah when she fills in for Mai’s shift at the Shark Pool, and leaves her to serve customers on her own.
16 (146):
First aired on Wednesday August 13, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 14, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Malcolm McDonald
Sarah decides that she wants to find her father, but Kath refuses to help her. Mai becomes paranoid after she is robbed at the Shark Pool, and Draz agrees to sleep on the sofa to help her feel safe. Mai gets into bed with Drazic when she gets scared, and one thing leads to another. No-one wants to know Ryan when he returns to school, so Albers steps in with the idea of restoring the old tennis court, so that Ryan can redeem himself with the others.
17 (147):
First aired on Monday August 18, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 19, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Johanna Pigott
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Nikki meets singer and producer, Luda, while out busking, who offers to record one of her songs. Sarah goes off the rails after her recent discovery, and slaps Barnett, for which she is suspended. Mai tries to control her feelings for Drazic, and is angry when Draz moves Kurt into the warehouse without telling her, in an effort to keep them apart.
(Guest stars Anja Coleby as Luda)
18 (148):
First aired on Wednesday August 20, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 21, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Keith Thompson
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Things are still tense between Mai and Draz, and Kurt offers to cook dinner for his housemates, worried it might be him moving in that’s causing the issues. Anita helps him with dinner, and on the night Mai is unable to pretend that everything is okay. Sarah refuses to go along with her mother to help out at an old people’s home, and Ryan volunteers to take her place. He strikes up a friendship with resident Harold, and they bond over a love of music. As revenge for putting her on detention, Sarah plants a virus in Barnett’s computer.
(Guest stars Martin Vaughan as Harold)
19 (149):
First aired on Monday August 25, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 26, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Chris Phillips
Directed by Richard Jasek
Kurt is landed with a simulated baby by Albers to get extra marks, and Nikki moves into the shed for a few nights to help him take care of it. Sarah takes a shine to the newly-hired school handyman, JJ, and they start dating, but Kath has a problem with Sarah having a boyfriend, especially when she finds out JJ is a prisoner on day release. Ryan and Drazic team up to play basketball against some local teams to try and make some easy cash, and Drazic uses the situation to try and win Anita back.
(Guest stars Simon Lyndon as JJ)
20 (150):
First aired on Wednesday August 27, 1997 on ABC in Australia at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 28, 1997 at 6pm (second half)
Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Richard Jasek
Sarah is heartbroken when she catches JJ kissing another girl. Kath decides to leave Sarah to enjoy some independence, and plans to move back to the country. The girls campaign for a female-only room to get away from the hyper boys, but the boys decide to invade the room. Kurt and Nikki buy a lobster from a seafood restaurant in order to set it free, but disaster strikes when Draz is let loose in the kitchen.
(Guest stars Simon Lyndon as JJ. Note – Final episode for Elaine Hudson as Kath. Sarah temporarily leaves but returns in ep 24 (154))
21 (151):
First aired on Tuesday May 5, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.25pm. First Australian showing on Wednesday July 1, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 2, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Steve Mann
Nikki complains about being upstaged by a saxophonist while out busking, so Ryan suggests she make a video to send to local record companies, for which Mai appoints herself director. Kurt meets old friend Lachlan while out jogging, and joins his fitness group. Later, it emerges that Lachlan’s fitness group is also passionate about the environment, and that they have some radical views regarding tidying the local area. Drazic is less than pleased when he finds out his former friend D’Espo, is the new owner of the Shark Pool.
(Guest stars Kim De Lury as Lachlan, Luke Jacobz (as Luke Ashwood), who later plays Zac, as one of the homeless kids, and Leah Tansey, who appeared in series 1 as Lucky, as another homeless kid, Skye. Mario Gamma becomes a main cast member as D’Espo.)
22 (152):
First aired on Tuesday May 12, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.25pm. First Australian showing on Monday July 6, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 7, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Steve Mann
Nikki is led into believing that a record company wants to sign her after she sends off her video, but their real interest lies in the director of the video, Mai. Nikki is angry at first, but gradually learns to accept the disappointment and feel happy for her friend. After their clubhouse is vandalised, Lachlan and his gang are intent on harassing a group of homeless people who they hold responsible. D’Espo’s new girlfriend, Jasmina, makes passes at both Draz and Ryan.
(Guest stars Kim De Lury as Lachlan, Leah Tansey as Skye, Luke Ashwood as Homeless kid, and Melanie De Ferranti as Jasmina. Note – final episode for Frederick Miragliotta as Gerrard Albers and Nina Liu as Mei Hem)
23 (153):
First aired on Tuesday May 26, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.20pm. First Australian showing on Wednesday July 8, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 9, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Lisa Hoppe
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Albers’ replacement, Nat Delaine, arrives at Hartley with his student son, Lee. Lee goes to great lengths to try and fit in with Drazic and Dennis. Nikki tells Anita she feels smothered by Kurt and wants to end things with him, and Anita is put in an awkward position when Kurt asks her to help him pick out an expensive ring for Nikki. Ryan complains that he’s having to do more than his fair share in his new job at the Shark Pool, so D’Espo makes him special functions manager, however his first function isn’t what he had in mind.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis. First appearances for Marcel Bracks as Lee Delaine, Jill Delaine)
24 (154):
First aired on Tuesday June 2, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.20pm. First Australian showing on Monday July 13, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 14, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Karl Zwicky
Sarah returns, without Kath, and re-enrols at Hartley. Ryan discovers that Sarah’s landlord Brian, is being violent to his partner Sharon, and Sarah tries to persuade her to seek help.
Lee promises Nikki and Anita that he can get them a good deal on a car, as his mum Jill works in a car yard. Newly-rejected Drazic and Kurt chat up single Penny in the Shark Pool, and fight over her when she seems interested in both of them. When Penny overhears the pair tossing a coin over her, she decides revenge is the best option.
(Guest stars Chris Cummins as Brian, Anna Hruby as Sharon, and Melissa Kounnas as Penny)
25 (155):
First aired on Tuesday June 16, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.45pm. First Australian showing on Wednesday July 15, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 16, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Drazic becomes interested in industrial design after coming up with a design for a new type of rollerblade. He loses confidence however when Barnett assigns the class an IQ test.
Kurt starts training Anita in the school’s outdoor gym, and clashes with fellow gym-goer Paul. After airing their differences, Kurt and Paul start kayaking together. Sarah accidentally breaks a photo frame at the Delaines’, and has an artist student make a replica. Nat notices the change and flies off the handle, and Jill reveals that it was made by their late son, Simon.
(Guest stars Mark Slater as Paul)
26 (156):
First aired on Tuesday July 7, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.20pm. First Australian showing on Monday July 20, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 21, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Sarah writes a love letter as part of her assignment with Ryan as her muse, and Lee plays matchmaker and plants the letter in Ryan’s locker. When Ryan mockingly reads the letter aloud in class, without knowing it’s from Sarah, she feels humiliated. Kurt and Paul train to enter a kayaking competition. Anita takes a shine to Paul, but he reveals he’s gay. Kurt struggles to deal with this revelation. Nikki suggests healthy food replaces the junk food sold in the canteen, which Draz and Dennis object to.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis, and Mark Slater as Paul)
27 (157):
First aired on Tuesday July 14, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.25pm.
First Australian showing on Wednesday July 22, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 23, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Johanna Pigott
Directed by Ian Watson
Pat Gregory, an old friend of Nat’s, arrives to teach at the school, and starts comparing Lee’s work unfavourably to that of his late brother, Simon. Lee decides to get revenge by stealing parts from his car. Sarah is worried when Ryan asks her out dancing, believing she can’t dance. D’Espo offers to teach her, and Ryan gets the wrong idea when he sees the two of them dancing together. Nikki is hoping to be chosen as school rep for an upcoming feminism conference, but there is another unlikely candidate.
(Guest stars Alan Cinis as Pat, who previously appeared in series 1 as Wozza, series 5 as Stan, and earlier this series as another teacher)
28 (158):
First aired on Tuesday July 21, 1998 on BBC2 in the United Kingdom at 6.20pm.
First Australian showing on Monday July 27, 1998 on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday July 28, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Ian Watson
Tired of constantly being compared to his late brother, Lee announces he is leaving school, which Nat and Jill refuse to accept. Lee decides to run away, and makes plans to leave on a boat to Port Vila. Nikki and Ryan compete against each other in IT class when they are given an imaginary $1000 to invest in the stock market. Ryan is top of the class at this task, so D’Espo agrees to give him free sandwiches in exchange for financial advice. Drazic tries to keep Anita and Kurt apart after they go to the movies together.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis)
29 (159):
First aired on Wednesday July 29, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday July 30, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Peter Kinloch
Directed by Paul Faint
Nikki spots student Tasha sewing at school, and she explains she is helping her mother, Olga, meet the demands of her boss, Zoltan, who is paying her next to nothing for her work. Nikki goes to confront Zoltan, but ends up making things worse for Tasha and her mother.
Drazic meddles in Sarah and Ryan’s relationship when Sarah asks Ryan what he would change about her. Nat is so impressed with Anita’s essay that he asks her to read it to the class. Despite her freezing due to nerves, Nat nominates her to give a speech about school spirit to members of the local community.
(Guest stars Bojana Novakovic as Tasha, Biljana Novakovic as Olga, and Joseph Utchitel as Zoltan)
30 (160):
First aired on Monday August 3, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 4, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Chris Phillips
Directed by Paul Faint
Barnett issues the students with ID cards to mark attendance in class in place of registers. The new system causes problems for Nikki, while Drazic and Dennis figure out a way to exploit the system. Nat pays Ryan to take Lee to a rugby league game, wanting to get his son out of the house more. Lee isn’t happy when he discovers this, but decides to go anyway, and the pair run into trouble with rival fans. Kurt agrees to teach Anita and Sarah to drive in his dad’s car, but soon comes to regret it when the task causes problems in his relationship with Anita.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis)
31 (161):
First aired on Wednesday August 5, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 6, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Ryan and Anita volunteer Kurt and Sarah respectively, to act out a scene from the play they’re studying in Nat’s class. They come to regret it when they realise the scene involves a kiss between the pair. Drazic starts work at the car yard where Jill works, but is disappointed to only be cleaning cars. When Jill is chosen to shoot a TV commercial for the yard, nerves get the better of her, and the director asks Draz to take her place, who doesn’t seem to let his ‘shyness’ stand in his way! Nikki and Lee skip school to protest to a group of bird hunters.
32 (162):
First aired on Monday August 10, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 11, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Howard Griffiths
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Anita becomes tired of Kurt’s jealousy, which comes to a head when he starts spying on her. Kurt sees Anita with another guy and attacks him, unaware that he is her driving instructor.
Sarah and Ryan on the other hand, are inseparable, and Sarah tells Ryan she wants to sleep with him. Sarah asks the Delaines if she can have a friend stay over, so they are shocked when Ryan walks through the door. D’Espo becomes Drazic’s manager when he is asked to make another commercial, but success has gone to his head, and Jill fires him.
(Note – Tasneem Roc appears as Mariel in the opening scene of the episode, she will later join the main cast as Thania in series 7 episode 5 (175))
33 (163):
First aired on Wednesday August 12, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 13, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Sally Webb
Directed by Ian Watson
Drazic tells Kurt that he has to move out of the shed after Anita stays the night. Tension comes to a head during an inter-school basketball game. Nikki tells Sarah that it’s in her stars to set up a business with her. The two of them set up a jewellery business, but Nikki goes too far when she allows herself to be ruled by her horoscope. D’Espo, Nat, Lee, Ryan and Dennis battle against another team on a skirmish excursion.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis)
34 (164):
First aired on Monday August 17, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 18, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Kevin Roberts
Directed by Ian Watson
Kurt and Drazic are finding it difficult to live together, so Kurt conspires with the letting agent to get Draz kicked out. Ryan tries to help Lee improve his love life, and convinces him to have a party while Nat and Jill go away for the weekend. Anita volunteers at a special needs centre, and develops a friendship with Michael, a boy with Down’s syndrome, who turns out to be Dennis’s brother. Nikki becomes depressed due to problems at home and with schoolwork, and misreads Ryan’s intentions when he shows her some kindness.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis, and Saxon Graham as Michael)
35 (165):
First aired on Wednesday August 19, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 20, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Johanna Pigott
Directed by Lynn Hegarty
Nikki’s growing mental problems become more apparent when she starts to believe that a cherub statue in a local park is talking to her. Lee voices his concerns about Nikki to Nat, and the pair take her to a psychiatric hospital. Kurt spots a photo of Drazic in Anita’s purse, and insists she replace it with one of the two of them. Anita becomes tired of Kurt’s jealousy.
Ryan finds a copy of the science test Barnett is about to set for the class, and plans to cheat, until Sarah makes him think better of the idea.
36 (166):
First aired on Monday August 24, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday August 25, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Serge Lazareff
Directed by Lynn Hegarty
Ryan goes to visit his friend Harold in the nursing home, and Harold tells him he is due to be moved to another home, but doesn’t want to leave. Ryan asks Drazic if he wants a ‘muso’ as a flatmate, and Ryan and Sarah help Harold escape from the home. The aquarium where Kurt works is trying to raise money for a mate for a lonely turtle, so Kurt and D’Espo have the idea to hold an erotic dance night at the Shark Pool. Nikki returns to school and is mocked by Draz and Dennis, but rejects Lee when he tries to support her.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis, and Martin Vaughan as Harold, who last appeared earlier in series 6 (ep 18/148))
37 (167):
First aired on Wednesday August 26, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday August 27, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Chris Roache
Directed by Paul Faint
Kurt becomes friends with tennis ace student Bonnie, but is warned off spending time with her by her mother and coach, Fiona, who is worried she’ll be distracted from training.
Drazic is put on detention for backchat by Barnett, and agrees to work on fixing her car rather than sit in a classroom. He finds a letter from Barnett’s partner in the car, and hatches a plan with Dennis. The Delaines become agitated with Ryan spending so much time at their place, so Nat asks Sarah to gently tell him that they’d rather see less of him. Ryan is peeved when Anita tells him she is also tired of having him around, so he moves into the warehouse with Drazic.
(Guest stars Putu Winchester as Dennis, Tamsin Carroll as Bonnie, and Judy Morris as Fiona)
38 (168):
First aired on Monday August 31, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday September 1, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Craig Wilkins
Directed by Paul Faint
Ryan struggles in his new independent life at the shed, and can’t afford a bed, so he takes an antique clock that Sarah gave him to a pawn shop for some quick cash. Kurt discovers that Bonnie can’t read, and tells her mother, who ignores the problem. Bonnie must decide whether to focus on her studies or an upcoming tennis tournament. Draz embarrasses Dennis in class, and Dennis, seeking revenge, plays a trick on Drazic in science class, to make him think that he has diabetes.
(Guest stars Tamsin Carroll as Bonnie, and Judy Morris as Fiona. Note – this episode marks Dennis’s first appearance as a main character)
39 (169):
First aired on Wednesday September 2, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Thursday September 3, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by David Phillips
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Drazic and Kurt enter a radio endurance competition on a fairground wheel, in order to win a stereo. Anita and Ryan campaign for the preservation of a local park after they hear of plans to build flats there, and Ryan has a dilemma when he is offered a job by a developer. Lee discovers that Nikki is plagiarising in her assignment, and wonders whether to tell his dad. When Nat eventually spots Nikki’s cheating, he gives her a week to re-do her essay.
(Note – final episode for Fleur Beaupert as Nikki Ruark)
40 (170):
First aired on Monday September 7, 1998 in Australia on ABC at 6pm (first half) then Tuesday September 8, 1998 at 6pm (second half).
Written by Alan Love
Directed by Jessica Hobbs
Kurt goes off the rails when his parents forget his 18th birthday, and punches Nat during class. Barnett suspends him and informs the police, and Kurt seems to have ruined his future. Lee becomes frustrated with Jill insisting on buying clothes for him, especially when he finds most of them hideous. Sarah encourages Lee to tell his mum the truth. Ryan and Drazic roll a dice to decide if they eat out or stay in, despite having no money. A lucky incident with a pinball machine causes them to become overly dependent on the dice.