Shortland Street - General Discussion

[justinate]

Simon Arblaster who plays Det. Hamish made his debut on the main show at the end of yesterday's episode. Here he recaps what went down when his character was first introduced on the Retribution spin-off, presumably for the benefit of viewers who didn't watch that.

http://instagram.com/p/CZa6VJXJnTS

[carld2]

Jan 31, 2022 7:55:01 GMT -5 justinate said:

I'm skeptical about Tom/Jack becoming an item down the line; I would've thought Mack (Marty + Jack) was a more likely pairing. But perhaps there would be too little conflict in them getting together since Marty is such a nice guy (but one might reasonably argue that's exactly what Jack needs - even deserves - after all this grief). Honestly, every female character on this show embraces lesbianism without batting an eyelid (Dawn and Samira being the latest two) but we're up to two guys on canvas who've categorically denied any and all same-sex attraction. It's time they balanced the scales a bit.

Sadly, the idea of balancing the scales seems to be Damo making the occasional fluid remark before going back to playing out the same story with Desi for the 45th time.

A few months ago was the perfect time to start Jack/Marty. They were both alone, stressed with work, missing Esther. I remember Jack calling Marty "babe," which he did not mean romantically, but showed their easy chemistry together.

If they don't come up with something new for Marty I wonder how long he will be there.

[justinate]

I missed the fact that Hamish and Marty share the same last name. Interesting that the show brought it up today. Is it really nothing - Walker is, after all, very common - or will there be some kind of connection between them? I can't see it mattering much unless they're brothers, because a long-lost cousin isn't really going to cut it. Or Hamish could be a (much younger) half-brother of Marty's dad?

I would've thought Marty's next big story is already laid out: his road to Esther is now free. There'll be all kinds of drama in the guilt from Esther, conflict from TK (who's already made his opposition clear) and possibly Jack too (he wasn't exactly a fan of Marty mooning after Esther when Curtis was alive, let alone now he's dead).

Hamish/Jack (Hack? Sounds about right) is going to be soooo messy - and hot. I'm here for it.

http://instagram.com/p/BhaEaGFlVDH

[carld2]

Feb 1, 2022 6:17:45 GMT -5 justinate said:

I would've thought Marty's next big story is already laid out: his road to Esther is now free. There'll be all kinds of drama in the guilt from Esther, conflict from TK (who's already made his opposition clear) and possibly Jack too (he wasn't exactly a fan of Marty mooning after Esther when Curtis was alive, let alone now he's dead).

You are right, but I just don't see that ending well - competing with a dead man's memory. I keep thinking Esther's next love interest in the long run will be someone else.

Hamish being Marty's brother would be a different story angle, at least.

Thanks for the photo of the guy who plays Hamish. Very hot, and not quite the traditional body type for other men on the show at present.

[anthonyl]

Judging by the promo for the next episode this is going to be a triangle of SOME kind for Tom/Jack/Hamish. Tom is definitely involved in Jack and Hamish’s relationship.

[kevvoi]

New clip courtesy of Anthony:

[kevvoi]

Next part courtesy of Anthony:

[anthonyl]

So Rico still exists. That must the world's longest rehab if he's renting out his place. I wonder if he'll ever come back. Or perhaps when the Hamish arc is over he'll return with a different face and he and Jack can start again?

I was surprised that Tom decided to leave. I mean it does make sense, he's lost everything and he's got a kid who needs him. I know a lot of people don't like him, but I liked him both when he was bad and who he is now. PLus the actor is beautiful and he can actually act. I hope he stays. But even if he does go, he's obviously going to drop a bug in Jack's ear about Hamish.

It's pretty clear both Hamish and Jack are desperate to put the past behind them and aren't thinking clearly. This relationship can never work. And Hamish should know he just can't walk away from being indebted to a gang. There's only one way out for him.

Jack saying the other day that Mo, Pixie and Curtis all died and are together and left him here makes me think once the truth comes out about Hamish, he'll do something truly foolish and try to take his own life.

[carld2]

Feb 3, 2022 11:12:16 GMT -5 anthonyl said:

So Rico still exists. That must the world's longest rehab if he's renting out his place. I wonder if he'll ever come back. Or perhaps when the Hamish arc is over he'll return with a different face and he and Jack can start again?

I was surprised that Tom decided to leave. I mean it does make sense, he's lost everything and he's got a kid who needs him. I know a lot of people don't like him, but I liked him both when he was bad and who he is now. PLus the actor is beautiful and he can actually act. I hope he stays. But even if he does go, he's obviously going to drop a bug in Jack's ear about Hamish.

It's pretty clear both Hamish and Jack are desperate to put the past behind them and aren't thinking clearly. This relationship can never work. And Hamish should know he just can't walk away from being indebted to a gang. There's only one way out for him.

Jack saying the other day that Mo, Pixie and Curtis all died and are together and left him here makes me think once the truth comes out about Hamish, he'll do something truly foolish and try to take his own life.

Does Shortland Street usually recast roles that way? As Rico was never a very well-received character and no one really cared about his relationship with Jack I could see him just selling the place offcamera.

I can definitely see Jack attempting suicide.

I would say Tom isn't going, but given how rushed stories and characters are on this show, I could see him being brought in for six months to help wrap up Tess' story and then going.

[dylan]

No, Shortland Street almost never recasts roles, and when they do it, it's considered a really big deal (see Justine Jones circa 2006/2007, or Harry Warner in 2009). I can't believe Tom is just going to leave now. What a lame ending to a pointless, depressing story.

[justinate]

It certainly feels like a final exit for Tom. Mattias has had some success in Hollywood in the past and now that the world is settling into a post-pandemic routine, maybe he has decided to try his luck abroad once more. I always did think he would not be long for this show. I doubt he was brought in specifically to usher out Tess though. The actress playing Tess is married in real life to the actor who played Prince, so I was expecting her to follow him out the door sooner rather than later, and I guess the show decided to tie their exits together, hence the very sudden (and frankly not very convincing) whirlwind romance between Tess and Tom.

Jack is all in with Hamish, which of course is his usual pattern. What I don't get is why Hamish would put his life on hold and risk his safety for Jack; is the sex really that good? Next week's previews seem to suggest Esther is not buying Hamish's act. I just hope all this isn't leading to YET another male suicide story - I agree it's an underreported issue but at this point nearly every male character in the cast has tried to kill himself. Damo literally just talked Maeve's stalker Vincent off the same bridge where he (Damo) tried to kill himself.

I don't think Rico will return - and if he did, there's really no need for a new face since I don't think the actor is doing anything else and they usually only recast if the original actor's unavailable. I still prefer Marty for Jack though. It would be very soapy if Jack's convinced Marty wants Esther and starts admonishing him for it but instead Marty lays one on him.

Dawn and Louis have begun. Sigh. Louis, you would be better off trying the other team.

[anthonyl]

Feb 4, 2022 5:38:14 GMT -5 justinate said:

It certainly feels like a final exit for Tom. Mattias has had some success in Hollywood in the past and now that the world is settling into a post-pandemic routine, maybe he has decided to try his luck abroad once more. I always did think he would not be long for this show. I doubt he was brought in specifically to usher out Tess though. The actress playing Tess is married in real life to the actor who played Prince, so I was expecting her to follow him out the door sooner rather than later, and I guess the show decided to tie their exits together, hence the very sudden (and frankly not very convincing) whirlwind romance between Tess and Tom.

Jack is all in with Hamish, which of course is his usual pattern. What I don't get is why Hamish would put his life on hold and risk his safety for Jack; is the sex really that good? Next week's previews seem to suggest Esther is not buying Hamish's act. I just hope all this isn't leading to YET another male suicide story - I agree it's an underreported issue but at this point nearly every male character in the cast has tried to kill himself. Damo literally just talked Maeve's stalker Vincent off the same bridge where he (Damo) tried to kill himself.

I don't think Rico will return - and if he did, there's really no need for a new face since I don't think the actor is doing anything else and they usually only recast if the original actor's unavailable. I still prefer Marty for Jack though. It would be very soapy if Jack's convinced Marty wants Esther and starts admonishing him for it but instead Marty lays one on him.

Dawn and Louis have begun. Sigh. Louis, you would be better off trying the other team.

I guess that is it for Tom. That was a whirlwind of a story. But I'm sorry to see him leave. He was interesting to watch whether he was scheming or having messy romances.

I think Louis and Dawn are perfect for each other. I can't believe the show has never paired them before.

Personally, I don't need to see Louis or Marty involved with Jack. I like their friendships and a romantic pairing would doom that. Besides, I'd buy it with Louis given his age and history, but for me Marty would be a stretch. Anything is possible with this show, but its not anything I want or need to see. Jack will always have a busy love life. He doesn't need to have slept with all the men on the show (though I could get into May/December thing with Jack/Drew though that's more unlikely than anything. If Drew never had sex with Boyd he's never going down that path. LOL.)
I'm sure the show has already got his next beau lined up once the Hamish story is over. LOL... I'd like to see Jack's next beau stick around for awhile. I think that was the plan with Rico but we see how that worked out.

[carld2]

Feb 4, 2022 5:38:14 GMT -5 justinate said:

It certainly feels like a final exit for Tom. Mattias has had some success in Hollywood in the past and now that the world is settling into a post-pandemic routine, maybe he has decided to try his luck abroad once more. I always did think he would not be long for this show. I doubt he was brought in specifically to usher out Tess though. The actress playing Tess is married in real life to the actor who played Prince, so I was expecting her to follow him out the door sooner rather than later, and I guess the show decided to tie their exits together, hence the very sudden (and frankly not very convincing) whirlwind romance between Tess and Tom.

Jack is all in with Hamish, which of course is his usual pattern. What I don't get is why Hamish would put his life on hold and risk his safety for Jack; is the sex really that good? Next week's previews seem to suggest Esther is not buying Hamish's act. I just hope all this isn't leading to YET another male suicide story - I agree it's an underreported issue but at this point nearly every male character in the cast has tried to kill himself. Damo literally just talked Maeve's stalker Vincent off the same bridge where he (Damo) tried to kill himself.

I don't think Rico will return - and if he did, there's really no need for a new face since I don't think the actor is doing anything else and they usually only recast if the original actor's unavailable. I still prefer Marty for Jack though. It would be very soapy if Jack's convinced Marty wants Esther and starts admonishing him for it but instead Marty lays one on him.

Dawn and Louis have begun. Sigh. Louis, you would be better off trying the other team.

I've seen some fan speculation that Francesca is also leaving. I can't say I'm bothered, although I thought the actress got more comfortable in the part after a poor beginning. I know Shorty has high turnover but is it normal to have so many characters who are lucky to last six months? No wonder some of the new characters who are staying around, like Madonna, have been given heavy focus.

I still wonder if plans changed for Tom early on - the about face with where he was around Rico's last month on the show felt so abrupt. Maybe the actor was never staying long and they changed things due to Tess' exit.

I agree about Jack and Mary, and also about Hamish - the latter is a very plot-driven story, which isn't a bad thing if the payoff is worth it...but I just don't know how many more times Jack can just be betrayed and heartbroken before he has nothing left to keep him going as a character.

Here is the actor who plays Hamish trying to justify his coming to Ferndale:

www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/127649509/the-killer-cop-shortland-street-fans-love-to-hate

[anthonyl]

Feb 4, 2022 16:45:23 GMT -5 carld2 said:

Feb 4, 2022 5:38:14 GMT -5 justinate said:

It certainly feels like a final exit for Tom. Mattias has had some success in Hollywood in the past and now that the world is settling into a post-pandemic routine, maybe he has decided to try his luck abroad once more. I always did think he would not be long for this show. I doubt he was brought in specifically to usher out Tess though. The actress playing Tess is married in real life to the actor who played Prince, so I was expecting her to follow him out the door sooner rather than later, and I guess the show decided to tie their exits together, hence the very sudden (and frankly not very convincing) whirlwind romance between Tess and Tom.

Jack is all in with Hamish, which of course is his usual pattern. What I don't get is why Hamish would put his life on hold and risk his safety for Jack; is the sex really that good? Next week's previews seem to suggest Esther is not buying Hamish's act. I just hope all this isn't leading to YET another male suicide story - I agree it's an underreported issue but at this point nearly every male character in the cast has tried to kill himself. Damo literally just talked Maeve's stalker Vincent off the same bridge where he (Damo) tried to kill himself.

I don't think Rico will return - and if he did, there's really no need for a new face since I don't think the actor is doing anything else and they usually only recast if the original actor's unavailable. I still prefer Marty for Jack though. It would be very soapy if Jack's convinced Marty wants Esther and starts admonishing him for it but instead Marty lays one on him.

Dawn and Louis have begun. Sigh. Louis, you would be better off trying the other team.

I've seen some fan speculation that Francesca is also leaving. I can't say I'm bothered, although I thought the actress got more comfortable in the part after a poor beginning. I know Shorty has high turnover but is it normal to have so many characters who are lucky to last six months? No wonder some of the new characters who are staying around, like Madonna, have been given heavy focus.

I still wonder if plans changed for Tom early on - the about face with where he was around Rico's last month on the show felt so abrupt. Maybe the actor was never staying long and they changed things due to Tess' exit.

I agree about Jack and Mary, and also about Hamish - the latter is a very plot-driven story, which isn't a bad thing if the payoff is worth it...but I just don't know how many more times Jack can just be betrayed and heartbroken before he has nothing left to keep him going as a character.

Here is the actor who plays Hamish trying to justify his coming to Ferndale:

www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/127649509/the-killer-cop-shortland-street-fans-love-to-hate

Sounds like Hamish is going to be around awhile judging by that article. Though on this show awhile could be a couple of months. LOL. I suspect that Hamish will get pretty involved with life in Ferndale which his secret past being revealed sometimes prominent and other times in the background. If they're going to be exploring Hamish's history I wonder if we'll learn he and Marty are related. Usually on soaps things like that aren't coincidence. It's too bad they are doomed. It's been awhile since Jack has had a love interest with whom he had this much chemistry. If Hamish is going to join the local police force it would be the perfect time to bring Daryl back. He was my favorite of Jack's men and I've always felt like they never had a real chance.

That fan reaction thing was weird. But Curtis and Jack were super popular characters on that show. And the actors seem loved too.

[hfolk]

I'd have to imagine Hamish and Marty are related, too big of a coincidence to give them the same last name no matter how common it maybe in NZ

[justinate]

Feb 5, 2022 11:31:49 GMT -5 hfolk said:

I'd have to imagine Hamish and Marty are related, too big of a coincidence to give them the same last name no matter how common it maybe in NZ

I wouldn't be too sure, there was some confusion over whether Hamish's last name was Walker or Wilson. It could be that the spin-off writers forgot they already had a Walker and belatedly tried to backtrack by saying his last name was Wilson in promotional materials, then decided they would just acknowledge the coincidence in the script.

[kevvoi]

New clip courtesy of Anthony:

[kevvoi]

Next part courtesy of Anthony:

[kevvoi]

New clip courtesy of Anthony:

[carld2]

An oral history of the "please tell me that is not your penis" phenom:

thespinoff.co.nz/tv/13-02-2022/the-oral-history-of-please-tell-me-that-is-not-your-penis

[justinate]

Feb 12, 2022 18:20:36 GMT -5 carld2 said:

An oral history of the "please tell me that is not your penis" phenom:

thespinoff.co.nz/tv/13-02-2022/the-oral-history-of-please-tell-me-that-is-not-your-penis

Actually reading that I feel sorry for Reid who played Harry - imagine playing that role as a teen, getting landed with THAT as your viral moment (the teasing/bullying would've been merciless), and then the show just drops you from its cast.

[anthonyl]

I got a sick feeling after today’s show. I hope Louie doesn’t become Hamish’s next victim!

[kevvoi]

New clip courtesy of Anthony:

[justinate]

Ugh, not the drugs gang again. I did think Louis slipped out of that dealing charge way too easily, but what police force would force a teenager whose mother has already been assaulted into a gang that just killed two cops?

[dylan]

Wait Reid was dropped from the cast?? I thought he had quit the role.