Blue Heelers is a long-running Australian television show about police in a small town in the state of Victoria called Mt. Thomas.
Main Cast
Present
- Charlie Clausen as Senior Constable Alex Kirby (2005 - )
- Rachel Gordon as Detective Senior Constable Amy Fox (2004 - )
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Geoff Morrell as Sergeant Mark Jacobs (2004 - )
- Danny Raco as Probationary Constable Joss Peroni (2004 - )
- Samantha Tolj as Probationary Constable Kelly O'Rourke (2004 - )
- Simone McAullay as Constable Susie Raynor (2003 - )
- Ditch Davey as Constable Evan 'Jonesy' Jones (2001 - )
- Julie Nihill as Christine 'Chris' Reilly' (original cast member)
- Martin Sacks as Senior Detective Patrick Joseph 'P.J.' Hasham (1994 - 2005)
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John Wood as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon (original cast member)
Previous
Season Synopses
Season 1
Blue Heelers first aired on January 18, 1994. The show aired on Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM. The first episode, "A Woman's Place" introduced us to Constable Maggie Doyle, who arrived for her first day of work at the Mt. Thomas police station. The other police present were Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon who ran the station with an almost grandfatherly watch over his co-workers, Constable Wayne Patterson - an old love of Maggie's who was now married to the ambitious Roz, Sergeant 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. Also around, and constantly providing information, gossip and advice was Christine "Chris" Reilly who ran the Imperial pub.
The show quickly hit it off with audiences, who enjoyed the amusing bunch of characters, and the plots, which branched out as Roz assisted the cops, and Maggie became a trial lawyer for the police. In episode 34, ambitious young Constable Adam Cooper joined the team. Although he soon fell for Maggie, the PJ-Maggie shippers had quickly amassed. At the end of the first season, Tom's wife Nell was killed in a car accident, and the show was quickly renewed for a second season as the audiences were very impressed. Arianthe Galani appeared as PJ's mother Helena, Dennis Miller as Maggie's father Pat, David Wenham as her brother Robbie, and Beth Buchanan as Tom's daughter Susan.
The first season ran for 45 episodes from January to November. Notable guest stars included Radha Mitchell, Kate Keltie , Petra Jared , Charles 'Bud' Tingwell , Raelee Hill and Libby Tanner .
Season 2
Season 2 was 41 episodes long. Although Anne Burbrook was written out of the show, the writers of Blue Heelers had much up their sleeve for the second season. Different character pairings were experimented with - the most notable being Chris and Adam. Maggie got a roommate - Gina Belfanti (Rachel Blakely - who soon fell for Adam in the aftermath of that affair. Tom's daughter Susan returned, and Maggie and Wayne went for their Senior Constable exam (although only Maggie succeeded). Peta Doodson began a long-running, but occasional recurring stint as Inspector Monica Draper, the divisional investigator who kept a close watch on the cops. Karen Davitt , too, became a recurring character as Dr. Zoe Hamilton - a doctor at the local hospital who was secretly an admirer of Nick's. In the season finale, "Brotherly Love", Gina was raped and a mentally disabled man named Clancy (Michael Isaacs , who would be recurring until the 11th season) was the only witness. Maggie was used as bait to trap the rapist, and in the aftermath, she and PJ shared their first kiss.
Notable guest stars included Robert Grubb , David Field as Maggie's brother Michael, Rebecca Rigg and Hugh Jackman.
Season 3
In 1996, the 42-episode third season began. Ten episodes in, Wayne was killed and, a few episodes later, Maggie discovered that her brother Robbie was on drugs. Although they had left their kiss to mean nothing, Maggie and PJ clearly had an attraction. Frankie J. Holden joined the cast for 4 episodes as Wayne's replacement, but was soon revealed to be falsifying evidence. Tom's daughter Anna (Alexandra Sangster ) arrived in town to have her baby, Dr. Hamilton's love of Nick became less of a secret, and - in episode 107 - Wayne's long-term replacement turned out to be the strong, independent Probationary Constable Deirdre "Dash" McKinley {Tasma Walton). While her do-it-yourself attitude certainly caused a stir at the station, all eyes were on Maggie - who fell for her professor, Roman Kellerman (Geoff Paine ). When PJ discovered that Roman was not all he pretended to be, it severely affected his friendship with Maggie. PJ soon left the station, but his charismatic replacement, Detective Kowalski (Jack Finsterer ) was no picnic - wooing both the women of the station. When PJ eventually returned, relations between him and Maggie were strained. She eventually saved him from being prosecuted for the murder of a local woman - despite the false allegations of the woman's son Luke (Jonathon Brooks ) and the season ended with renewed hope for all of the cops.
Notable guest stars included Frances O'Connor , Marg Downey and Lee Kernaghan .
Season 4
With 128 episodes already filmed, Blue Heelers was a bona fide success. The fourth season of 42 episodes began in February 1997 when Maggie fell victim to a plague that was stalking the town. As she recovered, Mt. Thomas continued to go through its usual trials and tribulations: Adam confessed his love to Dash but she didn't respond in kind, Chris dealt with her niece Leonie - who was now married to Clancy -, Nick and Zoe grew closer, and Adam soon found a new admirer - Stacey Norse (Kate Atkinson). Chris became politically minded, and Adam and Stacey eventually married. In this episode, "Fool For Love", Jane Allsop guest starred. She impressed the producers so much that they would later invite her back to the show in a main role.
Episodes 140 and 141 of the show were some of the most memorable as PJ and Maggie were trapped down a mine shaft, and eventually their unresolved sexual tension was, resolved. Tom was distraught when his wife's grave was desecrated, Jeremy Kewley began a recurring role as less-than-helpful reporter Tony Timms, and Neil Pigot also joined the recurring cast as Inspector Russell "Rusty" Falcon-Price. Stacey soon became pregnant to Adam but had a miscarriage and, even more disheartening to him was the news that the baby wasn't his. Tom's daughter Susan took up a posting at the Mt. Thomas school and Adam shortly thereafter went missing. He was found, apparently having attempted suicide and - when his wife's lover (and father of her deceased baby) was found injured, he claimed Adam did it. Although it was revealed that Stacey and her lover were conspiring against him, Adam had greatly suffered.
PJ and Maggie faced relationship troubles and ended up no closer than they began; Nick and Zoe on the other hand, were quickly bonding. Maggie's brother Robbie (now played by Brett Climo ) came to stay with her, and - although she discovered her brother's drug habit was still raging - she attempted to protect him however eventually had to let him be arrested. Meanwhile Luke Darcy - who had attempted to get PJ convicted of his mother's murder - was on trial for the murder of his father. Local solicitor Sally Downie (Catherine Wilkin) became his next victim, however she was saved at the last minute and Luke was convicted. Tom, however, had fallen for Sally. At the end of the season, Maggie and PJ had also become a couple.
Season 5
In 1998, the show's 41-episode fifth season moved to Wednesday nights at 8:30 PM, allowing it to explore new storylines that weren't available in an earlier timeslot. The move proved a good one, as ratings soared even higher. As Maggie and PJ attempted to hide their relationship from the rest of their co-workers, Tom embarked on his own relationship with Sally Downie. PJ briefly donned a uniform to be Acting Sergeant, as plans to downgrade the station forced the cops to fight back, and Nick and Zoe became engaged. Dash was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy. In episode 190, "Victims", Paul Bishop guest starred as Detective Sergeant Ben Stewart - an Organised Crime cop who comes to Mt. Thomas in pursuit of stolen weapons, and soon falls for Maggie. He appeared for three episodes, ultimately testing the strength of Maggie and PJ's relationship.
Returning in episode 198, "Nine Lives", now demoted for his previous activities, Ben got a permanent posting as a Senior Constable. His interest in Maggie made it harder for PJ and Maggie to keep their relationship a secret. Tired of being constantly held down by his co-workers, Nick eventually married Zoe and left Mt. Thomas. (In real life, William McInnes had lost patience with the lack of storylines he was being given). In the season finale, "Rotten Apple", Dash worriedly awaited the results of her test to see if she had overcome her cancer. Adam's conduct, which includes falsifying evidence and punching Tom, ultimately sees him removed from the police.
Season 6
As the sixth season of 42 episodes opened, Constable Jack Lawson arrived in town. While Ben dealt with his broken marriage, and his desire to see more of his children, PJ and Maggie's relationship was exposed a security video used as evidence caught them kissing and Tom - not impressed with mixing work and pleasure - forced them to call it off. As Chris ran for council, and won, Ben's daughter Emma arrived in town and decided to get Ben and Maggie together. Maggie began to delve into the drug ring that killed her brother Robbie, but it got her into deep water; and Tom was ultimately forced to let go of his relationship with Sally Downie. After being promoted to Detective, Dash decided to leave the police force.
Constable Joanna Parrish arrived in town in episode 239, "Hello-Goodbye" and, after Maggie and Ben kiss at his birthday party, they struggle to come to terms with where it leaves them. Jack's ex-girlfriend Molly (Petra Jared ) arrived in town and quickly stirred things up for him. After discovering Maggie and Ben together, PJ was stunned but Ben was soon distracted as his divorce was finalised and Rachel decided to take the children to the other side of the country. Maggie, however, ultimately chose PJ.
Season 7
The opening episodes of the 41-episode season were the most watched in Blue Heelers history. Maggie, aided by PJ and her brother Mick, arrived at the point of cracking the drug ring she had been pursuing for a year and realised that she would have to go into witness protection. To do so, she staged a breakup with PJ and then awaited her escort nervously. PJ, however, realised that she was being tricked and arrived just seconds too late, to see Maggie shot down by a mysterious assailant. The episodes that followed, the "Who Killed Maggie Doyle?" arc, were the most-watched episodes ever. Arrested for Maggie's murder, PJ looked desperately to prove that he was being framed. Ultimately, in episode 263 "Out of the Shadows", he discovered the truth - it was her brother Mick.
The remaining cops struggled on after Maggie's death, embracing Sergeant Tess Gallagher, who arrived to fill the position. Ben, already depressed, was not happy with her because he felt the job should have been his. Tess found herself drawn into the plight of three young neglected children, the oldest - Hayley (Emily Browning - particularly drawing her sympathy. The new doctor in town, Mel Carter (Suzi Dougherty ) quickly learnt to fit in and Jack's attempts to woo a local girl ultimately ended in tragedy with him being shot and left for dead. In the final episodes of the season, a paralysed Jack started a downward spiral which was only saved by a revolutionary procedure that was to be tested on him, and ultimately saved him.
Season 8
Tess and Jack began a relationship in the 8th season, and PJ was given the option of moving back to the city but decided not to. Ratings in the 8th season began to decline ever so slowly, with the feeling that the show had lost its touch after Maggie's death, and the storylines were becoming repetitive. Jack's headstrong qualities got him arrested for murder and convicted and his replacement - Evan Jones - quickly took his place in Tess's heart. Jonesy, who joined the force to avenge his father's death, soon got his chance - but was only hindered by his adoptive father, the Police Commander. Tess crossed paths with Hayley Fulton again and decided to take her in. Tom found himself enchanted by the local reverend Grace Curtis (Debra Lawrance ). Their romance revealed hidden feelings on Chris's side as well. At the close of the season, Ben sank deeper into depression without his kids, and with his alcohol; Tom had to deal with meeting Grace's sons; and Tess realised she would ultimately lose Hayley to her deadbeat mother. The final episode of the 41-episode season, "Dreaming Of A White Christmas", was anything but hopeful.
Season 9
Hope, too, it seemed was not held for the show. While ratings were still reasonable, they had fallen distinctly from season 7 and before. The 9th season ran for 41 episodes, and began with Susan Croydon, now pregnant, returning to town only to be hit by a car as part of a revenge plot against Tom. She survived, but without her child. Jo and PJ grew closer, while Tom and Grace did also. PJ was distraught when his dying mother arrived in Mt. Thomas, and he took her in only to realise he couldn't deal with her impending death. Ben got himself into deep water when he fell for the wife of another cop, Jo took in a young troubled teen, and Tess let out her true feelings for Jonesy.
In episode 352, "Broken Dreams", Ben's lawyer sister Liz (Kat Stewart ) arrived in town and fell for PJ, not a pleasing sight to Jo. The sexual tension between Jonesy and Tess continued to rise, while Liz ultimately decided to return home. Jo sat for her Senior Constable exam and was successful, Tom and Grace became engaged, and PJ and Jo ultimately got together. She moved in with PJ and Ben without telling them, and their living arrangements become quite interesting. But Grace's husband, arriving in town, caused quite a stir when his death - seemingly suicide - began to look like murder, and by Tom at that. Tom was cleared and eventually did marry Grace in a private ceremony.
As Tom and Grace attempted to merge their families, Tess and Jonesy drifted apart from each other, and Jo - having killed her first person on the job - went through serious trauma. An old friend of Tess's, attractive Dr. Josh Carmichael (Daniel Fredriksen ) arrived in town and quickly began a whirlwind affair which eventually ended in a spur-of-the-moment marriage.
Season 10
As Ben's drinking reached its peak, and he eventually attempted to get away from alcohol; Jonesy was incredibly disturbed by Tess's marriage - and pregnancy to - Dr. Josh Carmichael. Meanwhile, Jo and PJ were in a much happier relationship, as was Tom with Grace. Being offered a job in Melbourne, Dr. Josh took it and, soon after, Jonesy discovered that he was on drugs and had been using his marriage. Tess, having realised this, broke up with Josh but could never quite reunite with Jonesy.
After discovering Falcon-Price had been having an affair, the last thing anyone expected was for Ben to start an affair with Falcon-Price's wife, but he did. Jo and PJ drifted apart - although not for lack of trying on his part - but ultimately reunited. In episode 403, "Chocolate Sardines", Ben fell for the local Salvation Army Captain Marissa Craddock (Heidi Arena ) and Tess - discovering she had eclampsia - decided it was best to move in with Josh's parents in Melbourne to have her child, leaving a distraught Jonesy alone.
Constable Susie Raynor's arrival in Mt. Thomas was low-profile, bringing with her her recently paralysed husband Brad (Matt Passmore ). Ben began a new life with Marissa and his daughter Maddy, while Tom dealt with his step-son finishing school, and Susie was horrified when the sexual problems she and Brad had experienced after his accident became exposed to all. As he developed more paranoia, a newly promoted Ben (recently engaged) supported Susie. But Brad, mistaking support for love, attempted to shoot Susie and Ben had no choice but to shoot and kill him.
Season 11
As 2004 began, the producers knew that they needed to do something radical to stop the show's ratings from dropping any further. The first of these was when Luke Darcy returned to town in the season opener, "Retribution". With Jo in danger, PJ sought revenge upon Luke and it ultimately came at a price. Ben's engagement to Marissa collapsed, while he and Susie had to face each other over the events of the 10th season finale. Jonesy and Susie also embarked on a relationship.
On 21 April, Blue Heelers aired a special event: a live episode. While Paul Bishop did not appear due to film committments, this theatre-esque event drew large ratings and was the first step in drawing viewers back to the show. In episode 439, "Echoes", the series overhaul began when PJ and Jo got engaged but then split up because PJ was still haunted by Maggie's memory. In the following episode, the mugging of an old lady linked to a new family in town - the Baxters. Clancy, Jo, Tom and Grace found themselves victims of terror and the terror became reality when the station was blown up and Clancy and Jo were killed. Shortly thereafter, Grace was found raped and murdered.
Nick Schultz returned, now in Homicide, to investigate, and soon learned that Tom had changed as a result of these events, and was now much harsher and determined to gain vengeance on the Baxters. Moving into new quarters, Susie, PJ, Jonesy and Ben all attempted to deal with their grief in different ways. While they focused on various suspects, Tom was certain that it was the Baxters and Nick - determined to prove that Tom had gone over the edge - thought otherwise. PJ ultimately brought Susan in, believing that she was the only one who could stop Tom from going any further.
During their grief, Chris lied to protect Tom, and Susie and Ben began a relationship. Four new cops also arrived - Amy Fox, Mark Jacobs, Kelly O'Rourke and Joss Peroni. In episode 445, "Checkmate", Tom ultimately got his much-desired closure and, after saying goodbye to Nick, the cops of Mt. Thomas prepared for the new life ahead of them.
The ratings picked up significantly during these episodes, and the show was renewed for a 12th season in August.
The "new Blue Heelers" quickly gained a rapid fan following. Jonesy started a relationship with an enigmatic young woman named Donna (Samantha Healy ) which came to an end when she confessed that she was a call girl and knew about police corruption, which led to both Jonesy and Donna finding themselves the targets of an assassination attempt. Susie ultimately rejected Ben, after she became worried by his obsessiveness toward her, which set him on the path of a downward spiral. Ultimately he resigned, to spend time with his children. Meanwhile, despite the anger of PJ, Chris and Inspector Draper, Tom continued to remain a changed man which ultimately led to him to lie to cover up his stepson's alleged involvement in a rape. Although the boy was proven innocent, his stepsons decided to move away to live with their grandparents.
Sgt. Roy Holland arrived in town in episode 453, Too Late to Say Sorry, and - despite being an old friend of Kelly's father - was soon harassing her, and despite being pressured, Kelly did eventually tell Susie and Amy, and got revenge on him. Meanwhile, Joss begin a relationship with a much older woman, Fay Tudor (Tottie Goldsmith ) and PJ and Amy revealed their tensions with each other.
In the final episodes of the season, Tom found out that Tarni Baxter (Melissa Andersen ) - the surviving member of the family who destroyed the station - had arrived in town, bent on revenge. After Tom's dog was viciously murdered, he realised he was in danger. The terrified cops soon found his car exploded, and with a charred body at the wheel. Although it wasn't actually Tom, he was crazy with rage and, in the closing moments of the season finale, ultimately decided to kill Tarni Baxter...
Season 12
The 12th season - currently airing - will run for 42 episodes, taking the episode number up to 499.
The season opened with Tom suspected of murder, and being suspended of duty. While Mark took over, and the entire group - including Chris - seemed suspicious of Tom, Kelly stood by him despite his demeanour. Meanwhile, Nick arrived back in town and joined PJ on a hunt to prove Tom's guilt. Soon, the duo became convinced that someone else wass involved in the crimes he is being charged with, and they soon proved it correct. This didn't change the fact that Tom is still a different man, and everyone at the station knew it when he returned, particularly when he fired the new Acting Sergeant Lindy Schroeder (Sarah Chadwick ). Senior Constable Alex Kirby (Charlie Clausen ), an old friend of Jonesy's, then arrived in town for a permenant posting and immediatedly fell for Susie, causing conflict.
To keep ratings bouyant, the producers began introducing high-profile guest stars: Gary Sweet was first in March, playing a gangster who went up against Tom. Vince Colosimo is currently in a several episode arc as psychologist Dr. Bill Lapscott suspected of being a serial killer, by Amy's former lover and Homicide Detective Garth Henderson (Andy Rodoreda ). However, Amy's attacthment to Lapscott has seen her begin to suspect that Garth himself is the serial killer.
Upcoming storylines will focus on Mark's wife, and the escape from jail of Barry Baxter.
Martin Sacks will be leaving the series, filming his final scenes on May 31 to air in August. But he has announced that his character will not be killed off, leaving him available to return. He cited family commitments as his reason. This move will leave just Julie Nihill and John Wood as the only remaining original cast members.
Logie Awards
The Logie Awards have awarded the following honours to Blue Heelers:
1995 - Winner - Most Popular New Talent - Lisa McCune
1996 - Winner - Most Popular Actress - Lisa McCune
1997 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
1997 - Nominee - Most Outstanding Actor - William McInnes
1997 - Winner - Most Popular Actor - Martin Sacks
1997 - Winner - Most Popular Actress - Lisa McCune
1997 - Winner - Most Popular New Talent - Tasma Walton
1997 - Winner - Most Popular Television Show
1998 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
1998 - Nominee - Most Oustanding Actor - William McInnes
1998 - Winner - Most Popular Actor - Martin Sacks
1998 - Winner - Most Popular Actress - Lisa McCune
1998 - Winner - Most Popular Television Show
1999 - Winner - Most Popular Actor - Martin Sacks
1999 - Winner - Most Popular Actress - Lisa McCune
1999 - Winner - Most Popular Television Show
1999 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
2000 - Winner - Most Popular Actor - Martin Sacks
2000 - Winner - Most Popular Actress - Lisa McCune
2000 - Winner - Most Popular Television Show
2000 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
2000 - Winner - Most Popular New Talent - Jane Allsop
2001 - Nominee - Most Popular Television Show
2001 - Winner - Most Popular Actor - Martin Sacks
2001 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
2002 - Winner - Most Popular New Male Talent - Ditch Davey
2003 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
2003 - Nominee - Most Popular Australian Program
2004 - Nominee - Most Popular Australian Program
2004 - Nominee - Most Popular Australian Drama Series
2005 Awards air on May 1
2005 - Nominee - Most Popular Television Show
2005 - Nominee - Most Popular Actor - John Wood
2005 - Nominee - Most Popular Actress - Jane Allsop
2005 - Nominee - Most Popular New Female Talent - Rachel Gordon
2005 - Nominee - Most Popular New Female Talent - Samantha Tolj
Gold Logie Awards
The Gold Logie is the award for Most Popular Television Personality of the year. In 1996, Lisa McCune - who quickly became the darling of the Australian television audience - was nominated for it, and from 1997 to 2000, she was the winner of the award. She was further nominated in 2001, but having only done 2 episodes of Blue Heelers in the 12 months prior to the award, and a miniseries, The Potato Factory , she lost out to Georgie Parker of All Saints.
John Wood had also been nominated from 1997 to 2001, but had always lost out. In 2002, with McCune having left the show and no longer eligible, he was tipped to win but Georgie Parker again took home the award. A joke circulated that Wood had become the Susan Lucci of Australian television when, in 2003 and 2004, he was nominated but lost out to talk-show host Rove McManus.
Nominated again for the awards to be held on May 1 2005, many suspect that the new dramatic heights his character has gone through on the show will allow Wood to win; others feel that the character's angry demeanor won't compare well with McManus's recent marriage, and Rebecca Cartwright's recent engagement to tennis pro Lleyton Hewitt, making them likely candidates for success in an award that is dominated by personal opinion.
Post-Blue Heelers Careers
Grant Bowler followed on from the show by appearing on Paradise Drive , Medivac , Something in the Air , All Saints, Always Greener , and hosting the Australian version of The Mole. He remains a recognisable name in Australian television and film.
Lisa McCune has remained a household name. Her 2000 miniseries The Potato Factory based on the Bryce Courtenay novel was a moderate success while her 2002 television show with Alison Whyte, Marshall Law - which mixed elements of Ally McBeal style comedy, with legal drama - never hit a mark with audiences. She performed in a theatre production of The Sound of Music and was also as the face of the Coles supermarket advertisements. She now works for various charities, and has recently had a resurgence - now hosting various Seven Network series. In 2004, she joined forces with Matt Day to star in the telemovie Hell Has Harbour Views and will be seen next, along with some of her Blue Heelers colleagues, on the miniseries version of MDA.
William McInnes has also remained a household name. Aside from co-starring with McCune on Marshall Law, he has been winning awards for his performances in SeaChange, Do or Die, My Brother Jack , and guest starring in CrashBurn and Kath and Kim. McInnes also returned to Blue Heelers in several episodes.
Jane Allsop will be a recurring cast member of the 2005 television series Last Man Standing, and appearing in the miniseries version of MDA.
Caroline Craig has recently branched out into theatre acting.
Paul Bishop is an accomplished - and critically adored - theatre actor who will return to this pursuit. He'll also be seen in the miniseries version of MDA.
Anne Burbrook, Tasma Walton and Damian Walshe-Howling have remained recognisable in the industry - the former returning to Blue Heelers for a guest spot, and the latter two guest starring in The Secret Life of Us - but none have achieved the fame of their co-stars.
Rupert Reid appeared in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions and a biopic on Natalie Wood, but also has not achieved fame in the industry.
External links
