We've got less than a week to go before Neighbours is back on our screens again - something we never thought was going to happen this time last year! We've already had a glimpse into the new cast line up and have an inkling as to what some of the storylines might be. I'm disappointed that David and Aaron won't be back. I think they did a lot for the way gay couples are represented on screen. Even though I couldn't stand Nicolette a lot of the time, I'm also sorry she won't be returning as many of us just loved to hate her! Charlotte Chimes is an amazing actress. The Rodwells annoy me no end so I'm sorry they will be coming back!
But on a more positive note, as someone who loved, loved, LOVED Mike and Jane, and thrilled they will be returning but I'm also a little apprehensive as let's face it - Guy Pearce will not be returning full time! So what will this mean for Mike and Jane? Please Neighbours - don't break our hearts yet again!!!
I've watched a couple of episodes from last week. It seems to be lacking in something right now. Can't say what though. But I do agree with the people who think there's a lot more going on than we're led to believe. I do miss the Cannings though. It's not the same without them.
I have to be honest and say I haven't watched Neighbours on a regular basis since my uni days. Even now it's only when I'm ill or bored or something. It used to be something I watched a lot of in my youth. We all did. But it's a different show now and I haven't even seen the new episodes so I'm totally clueless when it comes to what to expect! But all that said, I'm glad that the show has been revived for the fans who missed Neighbours terribly.
Going by first impressions, this reboot seems worse than the later years of the last series but I have a feeling that all is not what it seems. From what I've seen on socials, it appears there's lots more twists coming so who knows what's in store.
On the one hand it's great to see Neighbours back on the box.
But on the other hand, what on earth..? (those of you who have already seen the new episodes will know what I mean!)
I've been curious to see what the reboot was going to be like but I have to be honest. Not loving what I'm seeing so far. Too many newcomers for a start. The absence of a lot of the older characters hasn't really been explained but then I suppose the show's only just getting warmed up. Patience, Egg!
Re: Neighbours and serial longevity in general
Serials, or soapies, call them what you will, should be able to run forever, as some seemingly have, they should by nature just keep going and going, simply change with the times as the years go by. Follow the pattern: births, deaths and marriages, plus a few other cliched dramatic moments (I won't list them all). Keep introducing new faces, bring back the occasional old face, and away you go.
Shows like Coronation Street*, Eastenders* and even Days Of Our Lives* in America (to mention just three) keep going and going, but why? What is their secret? Why do they keep going, but others sputter, trip, stumble, stall and stop, even after a few decades? It's strange how Neighbours stopped after 37 years, but why?**
Or are these the "million dollar questions" that no one knows the answer to? Obviously luck and fortune plays a big part in anything successful, but there must be a bit more to it than that . . . or is there?
* I had to look on the IMDB to see that those three were actually still running.
** It's easy to say the ratings dropped, but again, why did they drop?
There really isn't any secret, it's all there for all to see on the screen.
I don't really know if I have any expectations - I really don't know what to expect! I've heard so many things and not a whole lot has been given away. Just a sneak peek at this and that. I suppose the only way to know for sure is to watch it and see. I know some people don't know if it's a good thing or not that Neighbours is coming but just remember - you were all upset when Neighbours was ending!!!
Call me pessimistic but I can't see this new version going another 37, 38 years or whatever it is. My guess is that it'll probably be more of a hit with the young uns though rather than people who have watched it from the start. Just my guess!
Let's be honest, Neighbours isn't and never will be what it once was. It should have been laid to rest a long time ago. Will I be checking it out? Of course being the nosey old bird that I am! But I really don't think I'll be tuning in regularly.
I haven't been an avid viewer since the days of Neighbours mania although I did of course tune in more regularly when I knew that the soap was coming to an end. Well I had to, didn't I - along with the rest of the country! I will be watching the second coming of Neighbours when it begins again next week. More out of curiosity than anything else. I doubt I'll be a die-hard viewer again. I'm sure it'll be the same as before. But with a few more new faces.