... why we watch neighbours ...

As a family we started watching 'Neighbours' about 5 years ago. We didn't used to watch soaps. It was quite nice as I could talk to my daughter, drink tea and unwind. This became a family bonding ritual. Relax, come home and drink tea.

As the Neighbour plots were not taxing, we watched and talked about the day at work and school. We also made rude comments about the poor plot and poor characterisation.

My daughter has grow up, moved away for her 'Gap Year' and is now at university. She seems to be enjoying herself, belly dancing, protests, clubbing and she has actually found out where her lectures and tutors are located.

Anyway my wife and I still watch Neighbours. The plots often annoy us and it is quite funny how different characters are either written in or out of the script. Trips to Brisbane or the Nothern Territory are definately fatal. No one ever returns.

One or two of the characters I strongly dislike, such as Karl, the doctor and Libby, his self righteous daughter. It is quite enjoyable when a little grief falls into their lives. I am really enjoying the fact that Karl's wife, Susan, has forgotten all her memory of the marriage and their life. This naturally upsets both Karl and Libby, particularly as she now wants a divorce and start a new life. Yesss.

On the hand Steph, the girl at the top, I have a lot of time for, but she has obviously upset the script writers. First she was in love with Woody, an ex-con, who faked his death in a horrendous car explosion, to hide from the boys. She then dumped Mitch, who was in jail with Woody, who apart for the violence to others was quite a nice bloke - few words and direct action.

Then there was the horrible Marc, who ditches Steph at the altar, in his attempt to run off with Steph's sister Flic. Oh yes and there was the time she fancied Drew, Libby's husband - we hoped that that would be a starter, both were good people and therefore could not do the wrong thing to hurt others.

In this period of six months has been given two motorcycles and had lots of cash paid into her bank account by her various men. Plot lines are readily recycled in Neighbours.

So why do we watch the show. In a way its homage or link to our daugher, Lydia. Its also a good wind down to our evening. Yes we are sad people.

Link to Neighbours BBc site
Link to Neighbours fanatical fan site