Blue Heelers season 1

Last updated

Contents

Blue Heelers
Season 1
Bh dvd1.jpg
No. of episodes45
Release
Original network Seven Network
Original release10 September 1993 (1993-09-10) –
22 November 1994 (1994-11-22)
Season chronology
Next →
Season 2
List of episodes

The first season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 10 September 1993 and aired on Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM. The 45-episode season concluded on 22 November 1994. It had an average rating of 2.5 million and going to 3.5 million at its peak.

Its main cast included John Wood, Julie Nihill, Martin Sacks. Lisa McCune, William McInnes, Grant Bowler, Ann Burbrook, and Damian Walshe-Howling.

Casting

Ann Burbrook was originally cast as Maggie Doyle and Lisa McCune as Roz Patterson but the two swapped roles to avoid being typecast in the future. [1] William McInnes was originally cast as PJ Hasham and Martin Sacks as Nick Schultz but the two swapped roles because McInnes "looked more like a Schultz". [1] Roz was written out of the show before season's end, because the producers thought that they could do more with another police character, rather than a civilian. This allowed for the introduction of Adam Cooper to the group.

Main

Recurring

Guest

Plot

At the start of the season, we meet young city constable, Maggie Doyle, who is arriving at her posting in the small country town of Mount Thomas. At Mount Thomas police station we also meet the officer in charge, Sergeant Tom Croydon, who runs "his" station with an almost grandfatherly watch over his co-workers. We also meet Constable Wayne Patterson, who we find had a short romance with Maggie while they attended the Victoria Police Academy together; much to Maggie's surprise, he is now married to Roz Patterson. We also meet Senior Constable Nicholas 'Nick' Schultz, a sarcastic and yet good-hearted cop, and Senior Detective Patrick Joseph "P.J." Hasham, a charismatic and somewhat chauvinistic detective who soon found himself very interested in Maggie. At the local pub, The Imperial, we meet Chris Riley, a local woman who knows all the ins-and-outs of Mount Thomas.

During the season, we see Roz assisting the Heelers and later getting a job at the station as the administration officer. We also see the extent of Roz and Wayne's marriage problems which, when brought to a head when Roz witnesses a shooting over the telephone, results in the end of their marriage and Roz leaving Mount Thomas and returning to her home in Melbourne. This marriage dissolution is a result of many pressures which Roz and Wayne are placed under as a result of Wayne's dangerous job. This includes his being shot and left for dead by two criminals and Roz's somewhat intense jealousy for Maggie. Roz's absence opens up a place for ambitious and contentious young cop, Constable Adam Cooper, whose "breaking-in" at Mount Thomas is anything but smooth, particularly with Wayne who develops quite a disdain for him. Keeping with the theme of family problems, we see how Tom's family problems, including problems with his two daughters, develop. These are only made worse with the death of Tom's wife, Nell, as a result of a car accident. Tom, as a superior police officer, has to learn to deal to separate his personal and professional lives. He is increasingly finding it harder and harder when he has to deal with his friends and family when it is them that have committed offences. PJ has to deal with an old flame, Hilary Edmunds, when she arrives in town as part of the livestock squad, investigating farming issues in Mount Thomas. Maggie also finds romance in Mount Thomas with a shifty detective, Sean Neale, and she has trust issues when she discovers that her beloved boyfriend may, in fact, be a criminal. Maggie also discovers she has relationship problems with her father, Sergeant Pat Doyle. It is also revealed that Nick is carrying a huge secret: his wife and daughter, as well as half of his family, were killed in a car crash. This is revealed to be the reason Nick joined highway patrol and the reason for his stance against vehicle offences such as speeding and drink driving.

Reception

The show quickly had an average Rating of 2.5 Million and going to 3.5 million at its peak.

The writers and Southern Star didn't expect the show to go anywhere but it quickly amassed to being a #1 Hit series for a number of years up unto 2003-2004 where the drama shows were beginning to fall down in ratings because the CSI franchise became more popular than drama shows since 2001, which caused the cancellation of the show in 2006. The show had 510 episodes out of the thirteen seasons and 12 years since it aired.

Awards

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byAustralian air date
11"A Woman's Place"Mark CallanTony Morphett10 September 1993 (1993-09-10)

Maggie Doyle, the new cop in town, convinces a local girl to press rape charges against her violent boyfriend.

First Appearances of Sergeant Tom Croydon, Christine Riley, Detective Senior Constable Patrick Joseph Hasham, Constable Margaret Doyle, Senior Constable Nicholas Schultz, Constable Wayne Patterson and Roz Patterson
22"Doing It Tough"Gary ConwayPeter Kinloch25 January 1994 (1994-01-25)
Wayne experiences his first autopsy, and Tom is forced to press charges against a friend's daughter.
33"Why Give People Rights?"Paul MoloneyJohn Upton1 February 1994 (1994-02-01)
Maggie and PJ lock horns when a local activist is shot dead.
44"Wives"Judith John-StoryAnne Brooksbank8 February 1994 (1994-02-08)
Roz gives PJ information leading to the arrest of a client's husband and a retired cop looks set to become a permanent thorn in Tom's side.
55"Waiting for Apples"Alister SmartGraeme Koetsveld15 February 1994 (1994-02-15)
An annual racing event brings an array of colourful characters to Mount Thomas.
66"Apprehended Violence"Gary Conway Greg Haddrick
Tony Morphett		22 February 1994 (1994-02-22)
The discovery of an abandoned child raises painful memories for Nick.
77"Life After Death"Paul MoloneyTed Roberts1 March 1994 (1994-03-01)
Seventeen-year-old Clare Brady is involved in a fatal car accident.
88"Domino Effect"Judith John-StoryTony Morphett8 March 1994 (1994-03-08)
Shock waves surge through Mount Thomas when Wayne is shot by a couple of criminals.
99"Diary Entry"Julian McSwineyTony Morphett15 March 1994 (1994-03-15)
Wayne returns to work after the shooting, and a local drug dealer is exposed.
1010"Visions Splendid"Gary ConwayJohn Upton22 March 1994 (1994-03-22)
Maggie and Wayne investigate the harassment of an elderly lady, and Roz lands a job at the station.
1111"Abandoned"Paul MoloneyAnne Brooksbank26 March 1994 (1994-03-26)
A baby is found abandoned in Mount Thomas and causes more trouble than imagined.
1212"Damaged Goods"Judith John-StoryHoward Griffiths5 April 1994 (1994-04-05)
The wife of a solicitor is arrested for shoplifting, and Tom risks his reputation to help a friend.
1313"Armed and Dangerous"Steve MannPeter Kinloch15 April 1994 (1994-04-15)
A spate of armed robberies brings the Special Response Squad to Mount Thomas.
1414"Reunion"Gary ConwayTony Morphett19 April 1994 (1994-04-19)
Chris is shocked to find her supposedly dead ex-husband very much alive.
1515"Family Ties"Alister SmartYsabelle Dean26 April 1994 (1994-04-26)
The fate of a small boy hangs in the balance due to a maze of untruths.
1616"Theft"Chris LangmanAnne Brooksbank3 May 1994 (1994-05-03)
Wayne is accused of theft, and his future at the station hangs in the balance.
1717"Meat is Hung, Men are Hanged"Steve MannEverett De Roche10 May 1994 (1994-05-10)
The return of a convicted child killer could have grave consequences for Mount Thomas.
1818"Conduct Unbecoming"Gary Conway Ray Harding 17 May 1994 (1994-05-17)
PJ meets his match when an old flame comes to town to solve a cattle duffing problem.
1919"Good Cop, Bad Cop"Alister SmartTony Morphett24 May 1994 (1994-05-24)
The Blue Heelers are worried that Tom may be transferred back to Melbourne.
2020"The Final Season"Chris AdsheadTim Gooding31 May 1994 (1994-05-31)
Wayne's hero comes to Mount Thomas and finds it hard to live up to his reputation.
2121"Payback"Steve MannJudith Colquhoun7 June 1994 (1994-06-07)
Nick is destined to lose another relationship when his girlfriend knocks down someone and is accused of attempted murder.
2222"Sex, Lies and Videotapes"Gary ConwayPatrick Edgworth14 June 1994 (1994-06-14)
Tom's mate Charles Turner embezzles $10,000 from the football club's funds.
2323"Men in Her Life"Riccardo PellizzeriTony Morphett21 June 1994 (1994-06-21)
When Maggie's reputation is on the line, her father comes to Mount Thomas to help sort it out.
2424"A Bird in the Hand"Richard SarellYsabelle Dean28 June 1994 (1994-06-28)
The team discovers an animal smuggling scheme going on in Mount Thomas.
2525"Missing"Steve MannAnne Brooksbank5 July 1994 (1994-07-05)
Bill Mason follows up leads to the disappearance of his son, Paul, four years earlier.
2626"Day in Court"Mark PiperJustin Glockerla
Stephen Measday		12 July 1994 (1994-07-12)
Maggie has her first day in court presenting evidence, and she's got butterflies.
2727"Nowhere to Run"Riccardo PellizzeriSusan Hore19 July 1994 (1994-07-19)
A young girl is found dead, and her housemates are suspected of involvement.
2828"Consequences"Richard SarellJohn Upton26 July 1994 (1994-07-26)
Inspector Faulkner investigates a local man who is selling inferior carcasses as quality meat.
2929"A Matter of Trust"Steve MannAnne Brooksbank2 August 1994 (1994-08-02)
Roz is personally involved in a domestic case.
3030"Necessary Force"Mark PiperTony Morphett9 August 1994 (1994-08-09)

Roz hears a shooting over the telephone and Wayne's marriage breaks down when Roz leaves to go back to Melbourne.

Final regular appearance of Roz Patterson
3131"Bitter Harvest"Riccardo PellizzeriJustin Glockerla
Alan Hopgood		16 August 1994 (1994-08-16)
When a rape occurs in Mount Thomas, PJ thinks he knows who the culprit is.
3232"Crazy Like a Fox"Alister SmartJohn Lord
Tony Morphett		23 August 1994 (1994-08-23)
A brother and sister feuding, an antique store owner is accused of receiving stolen goods, and Nick is offered a bribe while on duty.
3333"Old Dogs, New Tricks"Steve MannRachel Lewis30 August 1994 (1994-08-30)
Some strange things are going on at an old people's home and lead to an unexpected culprit.
3434"Labour of Love"Mark PiperYsabelle Dean6 September 1994 (1994-09-06)

Wayne Patterson and the new recruit, Adam Cooper, have a personality clash.

First Appearance of Constable Adam Cooper
3535"Escape Route"Chris Martin-JonesJudith Colquhoun13 September 1994 (1994-09-13)
A car crash victim turns out to be a battered wife. Adam falls for Maggie.
3636"Adverse Possession"Riccardo PellizzeriJohn Coulter
Justin Glockerla		20 September 1994 (1994-09-20)
A farmer stands to lose his land due to an ancient law.
3737"The Folly of Youth"Steve MannSusan Hore27 September 1994 (1994-09-27)
Two missing girls cause suspicion to be placed in an unfair direction when looking for suspects.
3838"Face Value"Mark PiperHugh Stuckey4 October 1994 (1994-10-04)
A car accident involving a priest puzzles the team.
3939"Suspicion"Chris Martin-JonesAnne Brooksbank11 October 1994 (1994-10-11)
A drug raid goes wrong, and suspicion is rife among the Heelers as to whose fault it was.
4040"Without Intent"Riccardo PellizzeriPeter Gawler18 October 1994 (1994-10-18)
A carpet shop is ram-raided, and a body goes missing from a funeral parlour during a B & S ball.
4141"Family Matters"Steve MannDavid Allen25 October 1994 (1994-10-25)
An overzealous young security guard's accusations lead to a much more interesting suspect than first thought, and a young girl comes into the station highly distressed.
4242"The First Stone"Mark PiperTony Morphett1 November 1994 (1994-11-01)
Nick is involved in a murder investigation that could spell the end of his career.
4343"Skin Deep"Chris Martin-JonesYsabelle Dean8 November 1994 (1994-11-08)
A stabbing proves hard for the Heelers to handle when racism becomes involved.
4444"Luck of the Draw"Riccardo PellizzeriCassandra Carter15 November 1994 (1994-11-15)
Tom's wife, Nell, is killed in a car accident.
4545"Damage Control"Gary ConwayJudith Colquhoun
Michaeley O'Brien		22 November 1994 (1994-11-22)
Maggie's boyfriend is suspected of being on the take when a horse racing ring is discovered.

DVD release

The Complete First Season
Set DetailsSpecial Features
  • Episodes 1–17
  • 17 Episodes (765 Mins.)
  • Episodes 1–17
  • 6-Disc Set
  • Full Frame
  • English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
  • Slipcase Packaging
  • Photo Gallery 24 Pics (On Disc 1)
Release Dates
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
2 November 2005 [18]

Related Research Articles

Mount Thomas is the fictional town featured in the long-running Australian police procedural drama Blue Heelers, which ran from 1994 up until its cancelation in 2006. The program was filmed in Victorian suburbs of Werribee, Williamstown and Castlemaine, which were all used for the show's exterior scenes to depict Mount Thomas, whilst interior scenes were filmed in-house at the Seven Network studios.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maggie Doyle</span> Fictional character

Maggie Doyle is a fictional character in the long-running Australian police drama Blue Heelers, portrayed by Lisa McCune. A feisty young constable from a policing family, Maggie arrived in Mount Thomas during the first episode, which follows her as she meets each of her colleagues in turn. The first female constable to join the station, she is faced with the prospect of not only learning how policing is a little bit different in a country town, but also with overcoming the chauvinism of some of the locals, and of some of her colleagues. She remained with the show for exactly half of its run, departing during the second episode of the seventh season, and was the fifth-longest serving character, appearing in 250 of the 510 episodes to air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Croydon</span> Fictional character

Thomas Arthur "Tom" Croydon is a fictional character in the long-running Australian police drama Blue Heelers, portrayed by John Wood. A long-serving member of the police force, Tom has decades of experience of being a police officer in a small country town, and an attitude which earns him the respect, trust and even affection of his subordinates. As the most senior officer in the country town of Mount Thomas, he frequently acts as a mentor and father figure to the junior members of the station, but eventually a series of personal tragedies put him into a downward spiral which threatens both his personal and professional lives. He is one of two characters, along with Chris Riley, to appear in all thirteen seasons of the show, and is the only character to appear in all 510 episodes to air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wayne Patterson</span> Soap opera character

Wayne George Patterson was a fictional character on the long-running Australian police drama Blue Heelers, played by actor Grant Bowler. He starred in the show from its beginning until he was hit by a car and killed in episode 96 in 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">P. J. Hasham</span> Fictional character

Patrick Joseph "P. J." Hasham is a fictional character in the long-running Australian police drama Blue Heelers, portrayed by Martin Sacks. An experienced detective, P. J. served on major task forces and crime squads in Melbourne before the gaming squad he was attached to was disbanded due to corruption and he was transferred to the small country town of Mount Thomas as the only criminal investigator at the local station. Despite his stated preference for staying out of "uniformed matters", he worked far closer with his uniformed colleagues than many visiting detectives, and also preferred to dress down compared to the business dress usually favoured by other detectives. He was the last member of the original cast to leave the show, doing so midway through the twelfth season, and was the third-longest serving character, appearing in 483 of the 510 episodes to air.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Stewart (Blue Heelers)</span> Soap opera character

Benjamin 'Ben' Stewart was a fictional character in the long-running Australian police series Blue Heelers. He was portrayed by Paul Bishop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dash McKinley</span> Fictional character

Deirdre Elaine "Dash" McKinley is a fictional character from the Australian drama series Blue Heelers, played by Tasma Walton. She made her first appearance in "The Kremin Factor", which was broadcast on 18 June 1996. One of her major storylines occurred during the 1998 season, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Dash was the youngest of nine children. She had a kind personality but a big mouth. She and her family always seemed to be the first to know the town's gossip and everyone's business. The character departed on 28 July 1999. She is the eleventh longest serving character after Tom Croydon, Chris Riley, P.J. Hasham, Maggie Doyle, Ben Stewart, Nick Schultz, Jo Parrish, Evan Jones, Adam Cooper and Tess Gallagher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Lawson (Blue Heelers)</span> Soap opera character

Jack Lawson is a fictional character from Australia's police series, Blue Heelers. He came into the show in 1999 and was taken off in 2001, his character arrested for murder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Schultz (Blue Heelers)</span> Fictional character

Nicholas 'Nick' Schultz is a fictional character in the long-running Australian television series Blue Heelers portrayed by William McInnes. He was introduced in the pilot episode and starred in the series between 1994 and 1998 before departing in episode 207. He returned to the series as a guest star for five episodes (441–445) in 2004 and a further two episodes (458–459) in 2005 as a homicide detective based in Melbourne. At the time of the show's cancellation, he was the sixth-longest-serving character, behind Tom Croydon, Chris Riley, P.J. Hasham, Maggie Doyle and Ben Stewart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jo Parrish</span> Fictional character

Jo Parrish is a fictional character from the Australian television police drama Blue Heelers, played by Jane Allsop. She made her first appearance during the sixth season episode "Hello Goodbye", broadcast on 18 August 1999. The character left in the eleventh season on 6 July 2004, after being killed in an explosion. She was the seventh longest serving character behind Tom Croydon, Chris Riley, P.J. Hasham, Ben Stewart, Maggie Doyle and Nick Schultz

The second season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 21 February 1995 and aired on Tuesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 41-episode season concluded 21 November 1995. The cast for this season was the same as that of the preceding season, without Ann Burbrook as Roz Patterson, and with the introduction of Damian Walshe-Howling as Adam Cooper to take her place. This season of Blue Heelers was released on DVD on 1 December 2005 and was released in a two-part release; and later as a complete set.

The third season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 12 February 1996 and aired on Monday nights, and later, Tuesday nights, at 8:30 PM. The 42-episode season concluded 26 November 1996. All main cast members from the previous season returned. Tasma Walton was introduced in episode 107 as Dash McKinley.

The fourth season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 10 February 1997 and aired on Tuesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 42-episode season concluded 25 November 1997. The main cast was the same as the previous season, except without Grant Bowler as Constable Wayne Patterson. Like previous seasons, the fourth season was released on DVD as a two part set and as a complete set, both on 6 April 2006.

<i>Blue Heelers</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 24 February 1998 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 41-episode season concluded 25 November 1998. The 41-episode fifth season saw the show move to Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM, making way for All Saints on Tuesdays at 8.30 PM.

<i>Blue Heelers</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 10 February 1999 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 42-episode season concluded 24 November 1999. The main cast was mostly the same as the previous season with the departure of William McInnes as Nick Schultz and Damian Walshe-Howling as Adam Cooper, and the introductions of Rupert Reid as Jack Lawson and Jane Allsop as Jo Parrish, the latter having previously guest starred in season 4 episode "Fool for Love". As with previous seasons, the sixth season was released on DVD as both a two part and complete set, both on 10 August 2006.

The seventh season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 9 February 2000 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 pm. The 41-episode season concluded 22 November 2000. The main cast was the same as the previous season except without Tasma Walton as Dash McKinley, and introducing Caroline Craig as Tess Gallagher. This season was released on DVD in a two part set on 31 July 2008.

The eighth season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 21 February 2001 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 42-episode season concluded 28 November 2001. The main cast returned from season 7 barring the departure of Lisa McCune as Maggie Doyle and with the introduction of Ditch Davey as Evan 'Jonesy' Jones. Like preceding seasons, the eighth season was released on DVD both as a two part set and a complete set, on 1 October 2008.

The tenth season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 12 February 2003 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 42-episode season concluded 26 November 2003. The main cast was the same as the previous season. Simone McAullay was introduced in episode 409 as Susie Raynor. The tenth season was released on DVD as a two part combination set on 4 May 2010.

The eleventh season of the Australian police-drama Blue Heelers premiered on the Seven Network on 4 February 2004 and aired on Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM. The 39-episode season concluded 5 November 2004. The core of the main cast remained from previous seasons, with only Caroline Craig as Tess Gallagher departing. There were also several new additions to the main cast, with Geoff Morrell as Mark Jacobs, Rachel Gordon as Amy Fox, Samantha Tolj as Kelly O'Rourke, and Danny Raco as Joss Peroni all being introduced. Like the previous season, the eleventh season was released on DVD as a two part combination set on 5 August 2010.

References

General
Specific
  1. 1 2 IMDb. Blue Heelers trivia. Retrieved 1 April 2008.
  2. ↑ "A Woman's Place". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 1. 10 September 1993.
  3. ↑ "Wives". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 4. 8 February 1994.
  4. ↑ "Waiting For Apples". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 5. 15 February 1994.
  5. 1 2 "Apprehended Violence". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 6. 22 February 1994.
  6. ↑ "Life After Death". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 7. 1 March 1994.
  7. ↑ "Diary Entry". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 9. 15 March 1994.
  8. ↑ "Reunion". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 14. 19 March 1994.
  9. ↑ "Meat Is Hung, Men Are Hanged". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 17. 10 May 1994.
  10. ↑ "Day in Court". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 26. 12 July 1994.
  11. ↑ "Nowhere to Run". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 19. 19 July 1994.
  12. ↑ "Old Dogs, New Tricks". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 33. 30 August 1994.
  13. ↑ "Labour of Love". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 34. 6 September 1994.
  14. ↑ "The Folly of Youth". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 37. 27 September 1994.
  15. ↑ "A Matter of Trust". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 29. 2 August 1994.
  16. 1 2 "The First Stone". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 42. 1 November 1994.
  17. ↑ "Skin Deep". Blue Heelers. Season 1. Episode 43. 8 November 1994.
  18. ↑ Idato, Michael. Blue Heelers - Season 1 - DVD Review, Sydney Morning Herald, 14 January 2007.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.