First mention of Sandy following Roger Tonge's death

[jean9]

I seem to remember there was a thread about this in the previous incarnation of the forum.

As I have been typing up my Crossroads notes I've come across what I believe is the first mention of Sandy following the death of Roger Tonge.  It appears at the time when Doris Luke was attacked at Stonebank Farm by Harry Fellows and Len Morton, which I believe was broadcast in May 1981.

Following the attack on Doris Luke, Benny waited for Doris when she finished work and Doris recognised the two lads who had attacked her.  Benny gave chase and was knocked over by the car they were driving to make their getaway.  Benny landed up in hospital and Meg was very upset about this.  Jill remarks to her that it's just like Sandy all over again.  Jill says "He was my brother you know.  You never talk about him" to which Meg replies that there isn't a day goes by when she doesn't think about Sandy.  Ref. p 369 of Crossroads Retold.

[Mike of CAS]

So the next time its spoken of must be when Meg is discussing her will, then on the QE2.

[jean9]

Yes I think you're right Mike.  The next time would be that scene when Meg tells Jill that she has made her will and Jill tells her not to be so morbid.  Then of course the night of the fire when Meg takes some pills to help her sleep we see a photo of Sandy on the table by the pill bottle.  All nice, touching little reminders in memory of Roger.

[paul ross]

Well we know that Roger died at the end of Feb 1981 and at that time Barton had no idea what he and his writers were going to do in regards to the character of Sandy. If what happened above took place in May of 1981 then they must have decided quite quickly not to make a 'big thing' of it. To me it feels like the scripts for May would already have been written by Feb and perhaps those few lines 'added' to the scripts. I think Crossroads scripts were roughly four months ahead of actual rehearsal at that time. Or four months ahead of transmission.

[Mike of CAS]

It might look on  upon repeat, but it seems at the time Rogers parents - who were in their 80s - had asked for no TV funeral, and it seems the real-life events were so well known - even Corrie sending flowers - that its been taken as Sandy and Roger being put to rest.

[paul ross]

Don't know if anyone agrees with me but when Roger died I think that may well have been the begining of the end of Meg.

[Mrs Valerie Pollard]

More likely she envisaged your arrival the following year, Mr Ross. That would be enough to finish anyone off.

Valerie

[paul ross]

Meeaaooww!

[Mrs Valerie Pollard]

I've told you before, Mr Ross, that your animal impressions do nothing for me!

Valerie