by Halliwell Hannah
If recent ratings figures are to be believed, then Neighbours
is back with a vengeance. The well worn- soapie, that many thought was past
its use-by-date, has been giving Ray Martin on A Current
Affair a bit of a challenge.
But why?
What has sparked the resurgence of interest in the suburban
squabbles of the householders of Ramsey Street?
Is it the Dr-Karl-getting-a-bit-on-the-side-with-his-receptionist
storyline?
Is it Billy and Anne's on-again-off-again teen romance?
Is it the triumphant return of old favourites like Harold and
Madge?
Is it the wacky and outrageous schemes of Toady?
Surely it couldn't be an improvement in the quality of the scripts?
Perhaps it is not so much that Neighbours is getting it
right, but that A.C.A. is getting it wrong.
Are viewers tiring of tabloid stories about shonky mechanics, social
welfare bludgers, miracle diets and unsung Aussie heroes?
Are they just getting bored with Ray Martin and his style?
(In Melbourne viewers are also flocking to Today Tonight with
news-babe Naomi Robson)
It will be interesting to see what happens in this timeslot and whether
Neighbours can continue its improved performance. It will
also be interesting to see how A.C.A. will meet the
challenge.
by Halliwell Hannah
