A Season Coming to An End
 - a guest column by Secret Heeler
Blue Heelers ends this 2001 season, on a high when sparks fly between Tom Croydon and Reverand Grace Curtis. Tom (John Wood) joins Grace (Debra Lawrence) and her two sons Nelson (Darcy Bonser) and Daniel (Kane McNay) for lunch. The occasion goes horribly wrong, leading Tom to think his romance is all over. Grace has had to quickly leave early from the family lunch, but soon meets up with Tom again and kisses him, and he kisses her. Is this the start of something big for Tom and Grace? To find out more you will have to wait for the upcoming screening of this episode on BLUE HEELERS, or keep an eye out at the Mt Thomas Gazette for more articles from the Secret Heeler.

- Secret Heeler is a guest columnist for the Mt Thomas Gazette. If you would like to write for us, click here!

Back Off Evan
On this week's Blue Heelers, Evan Jones seemed to do nothing right. Some may say that poor Evan Jones didn't deserve the treatment that he received from his colleagues, however this reporter, despite being an avid Evan Jones fan, disagrees. 

Let's face it. Even though he's tall, dark and handsome, and has a true instinct for police work, Evan Jones is a Probationary Constable, and needs to show more respect for those who have been in the job longer than he has. Jonesy often takes investigations into his own hands. Wednesday night would seem the prime example. 

In the midst of a homicide investigation, Jonesy took himself to the house of the deceased and seemingly coerced his widow to point the finger firmly at Les Anderson, whom Jonesy is convinced killed his father with a nail gun. This was down right inappropriate behaviour for a member of the Force and could have compromised police evidence. While Jonesy is charismatic and determined in his quest to find his father's killer, he must not disobey orders with such a flagrant disregard for his seniors. 

This reporter believes that Jonesy should not get too big for his boots, otherwise he risks falling from grace as did Constable Adam Cooper and Constable Jack Lawson. This would be a real shame, as Evan Jones has more personality than both Lawson and Cooper put together.

Madam Mac, 9.11.2001. 

Sinking Ben
When Ben Stewart first arrived at the Mt Thomas Station in 1998, his rank was up with that of PJ and Tom, as Senior Detective. Ben worked long and hard in Melbourne as a Detective, including a few months in Major Fraud. He has connections with high ranking officers over the country, and he was going places.

So what is Ben up to now? Well, when he turned up for his first stationed day at Mt Thomas, Benny-Boy was in a blue uniform, not his usual detective's suit. Why? He was demoted for "sinking Romano", a corrupt detective Ben once worked with. Stewart punched him and has been a Senior Constable ever since.

In his early days at the station, Ben was held in high esteem... many others including Maggie, Dash and Cooper were in awe of him. Nick Shultz had a huge amount of respect for him. And PJ saw him as a challenger to his infinite wisdom in solving cases. Now? Well, Benny-Boy has great answering telephone skills and coffee making ability.

I feel sorry for Ben. His life of late has been filled with personal drama - early this year his ex-wife and children moved to Perth meaning Ben could no longer see them. Tess Gallagher, a "blow-in" took what many saw as his position as station Sergeant (early 2000), and earlier still, the lady his heart was set on was brutally murdered (Mags, of course!). Let's face it. Ben has had a rough time in Mt Thomas. His ability has not been utilised to its full potential. Ben is a fine officer, but one that is often forgotten due to the strong personalities of the younger, less-experienced cast.

We, at the Mount Thomas Gazette are calling for a halt to this atrocity. You only have to look at our earlier poll which asked readers to share their favourite characters. Benny-Boy won hands down. The writers should rectify his status at the station. What's next? Parish getting promoted above him? Wouldn't surprise me.

- Dr Thomas, 9.11.2001.

Back At The Top!
To all those who have been beginning to lose faith in Blue Heelers this year, take a glimpse at Sydney's ratings for last week...

1. Blue Heelers (597476)
2. RPA (592976)
3. Ground Force (583569)
4. This is Your Life (548799)
5. Young Talent Time Tells All (534354)