After the dramatic events of Chapter Fifteen, Rachel is now facing the consequences – not only for her erratic drunken behaviour at a high profile fashion show – but is also likely suffering from PTSD after the Collins Street bombing.
Rachel needs time-out after the trauma of reporting on the Collins Street bombing
On top of all that, a package arrives from Rachel’s Devoted Admirer X and it’s not from the gift emporium at David Jones.
And just when Rachel is feeling ready to tell her boss about her stalker’s latest delivery, he launches into a full-scale attack over her public pash. Mr Fletcher had fun playing this role – voicing Helmut Becker – but I’m sure it’s not the kind of language Dr Karl ever used!!
AND if you’re still missing Neighbours (don’t you love this flashback photo of Fletch and Jackie Woodburne!) at least you still get to hear the dulcet tones of Alan Fletcher in MAKING HEADLINES!
This is a profound chapter for myself AND for Rachel. But let’s start with Rachel…
At an elite social occasion, Rachel’s emotions run high when she spies her ex with his new girlfriend – prompting her to down one too many cocktails. This in turn, leads to an unfortunate public display of affection with a high profile man – and all in front of flashing cameras. Worse still, it comes just weeks after a promotion at work where she’d been warned to be on her best behaviour in public.
Rachel being warned to behave like a princess when in the public eye…
The next day – hungover and feeling sorry for herself – Rachel is thrust in to one of the most terrifying and challenging situations she’s ever faced as a journalist.
And this is where I can tell you what this chapter means to me. The story about Rachel reporting on a bombing in Melbourne is indeed based on my own real life experience – being part of the news team which covered the Russell Street bombing. It was an emotional chapter to write and to this day, brings back frightening memories. It is with great sadness, we remember the loss of Constable Angela Taylor, killed in the blast. As well as the bravery of the police and emergency services who dealt with the fallout on the day. I also pay tribute to my colleagues – the cameramen, journalists and producers – who did such a wonderful job putting the bulletin together under such confronting and distressing conditions.
As usual, Mr Fletcher has done a great job using his vocal talents to bring seven male characters to life, while also paying respect with his delivery to the gravity of this chapter. Thank you Fletch.
Let me know your thoughts in the Comments section.
