Waterloo Road - Series 1 (DVD)

...But taking a look at Waterloo Road School, I reckon it would be so much more entertaining to go there! More threatening as well, yes, but that only gives it an adventurous edge! Unfortunately, it's not exactly an option to attend there (!), but at least I can enjoy its wonders on DVD!

Waterloo Road Comprehensive is a school in Rochdale, England. However it is not just an ordinary built set! The building was actually a school, known ...
...new building!

Waterloo Road itself is a BBC tv drama, which follows the lives of the school's staff and pupils. This comprehensive is no Cambridge, to say the least! Never a day passes when things are 'normal', though I think the school would find it hard to define what normal exactly is! The show was first aired back in 2006 with the first series, and now has successfully aired its way to its fourth series, which is currently on every ... more

I don't mind my school, it's actually quite alright. The teachers are kind (most of them), and do know how to have a laugh at times! But taking a look at Waterloo Road School, I reckon it would be so much more entertaining to go there! More threatening as well, yes, but that only gives it an adventurous edge! Unfortunately, it's not exactly an option to attend there (!), but at least I can enjoy its wonders on DVD!

Waterloo Road Comprehensive is a school in Rochdale, England. However it is not just an ordinary built set! The building was actually a school, known as Top Hill Primary School. Most of the show is filmed here, with a few external shots too. There are actually demolition plans for the building, but the show will continue in a new building which they are still searching for. Luckily though this fits in with the plot of the show, so it will all not seem too random having a new building!

Waterloo Road itself is a BBC tv drama, which follows the lives of the school's staff and pupils. This comprehensive is no Cambridge, to say the least! Never a day passes when things are 'normal', though I think the school would find it hard to define what normal exactly is! The show was first aired back in 2006 with the first series, and now has successfully aired its way to its fourth series, which is currently on every Wednesday evening.

I did watch the first series of the show when it was originally aired, and most of the second too. Though for some reason I found I didn't watch it after that. However there was one person who made me want to watch it again: Denise Welch. Having watched her on Loose Women for nearly three years, I was shocked when I realised I had no idea she was in Waterloo Road! Though discovering this, I got myself caught up with the whole of the latest series aired, which can be seen on BBC iPlayer. Over three days I watched eight episodes, and found this great addiction bubbling away inside of me. There was only one thing to do: go in search of the DVDs!

Only two complete boxsets have been released to date; series one and series two. Series three is just in the process of being released a few episodes at a time. I didn't see any point in buying series two just now, as I thought I should catch up from the very beginning. So Series One it was! The packaging for this boxset is quite attractive. It has one of those cardboard sleeves, with the exact design on the front of that as does the DVD case itself. On the front you will see a picture of all seven main teachers in the show. On the back, you will find the six key troublesome kids. The case itself can be folded into three sections. On this cardboard you find short summary paragraphs of each of the eight episodes. Folding it out again, there are three DVDs, each with two teachers on them. Removing the DVD itself you will find behind it a photo of the teachers again, so it is almost like a puzzle, fitting on top of itself.

Now before we begin, just so you can understand a little better if you have not seen the show, I shall tell you a bit about the characters. As I said, there are seven main teachers and five kids...

Kim Campbell: Kim is the Head of Pastoral Care at Waterloo Road. She is quite laid back and is always there for the kids if they need her. She also has to deal with a lot of the troublesome children too, which can not be easy! She is played by Angela Griffin, who has starred in many other shows such as Coronation Street and Holby City. She certainly plays this character well, and I don't think we could have anybody better for the part!

Jack Rimmer: Jack is the Head Master at Waterloo Road, newly appointed after the former went a bit...psycho on the rooftop of the school, much to the amusement of the pupils! Jack is quite tough, and won't let anybody push him around. It is clear that he cares about Waterloo Road and wants to make the best of the school. He is played by actor Jason Merrells, and I must say is well done! He has that head teacher look about him, frightening yet accompanied by a warm smile. Jason is known for other roles in shows such as Sweet Medicine and Cutting It.

Andrew Treneman: Andrew was transferred from a high class, well written school to teach English at Waterloo Road. He wanted at first to try and introduce is higher standard of education to the school, but realised that it was impractical, and worked on simply bettering the school instead. Andrew is played by Jamie Glover, who has that cheeky yet intelligent look about him required for the character. He has starred in other show such as Midsomer Murders and Holby City.

'''Tom Clarkson'': Tom is probably the most laid back teacher at the school, one of the English teachers there. He is quite friendly and can understand the kids, but sometimes can feel a little confused with his own life. He is superbly played by actor Jason Done, and he has to be the most gorgeous teacher in the entire school! Jason has starred in others such as Conviction and Where The Heart Is.

'''Lorna Dickey''': Lorna is yet another English teacher at the school, and is in a relationship with Clarkson. Though she can seen quite grippy and needy. She is best friends with Izzie Redpath, a fellow teacher, and relies on her as a shoulder to cry on. Lorna is played by Camilla Power, who is perfect for bringing out the flatness in Lorna's manner. She has been in other shows such as Torchwood and Harley Street.

'''Steph Haydock''': Steph teaches French at Waterloo Road, or at least tries to. She has quite a care-free attitude towards it all, and often acts like one of the kids! While they may see this as fun and amusing, the rest of the staff are a little worried about how what reputation she would paint for Waterloo Road. She is played by the fabulous Denise Welsh, who I have to thank for this addiction! She has starred in other shows suchlike Coronation Street and Holby City, and of course is on Loose Women.

'''Izzie Redpath''': Izzie is the drama teacher at Waterloo Road. She is quite fun-loving and energetic around the kids, but this is calmed when in the staff room. She has her own problems to deal with, whilst helping out with the English classes. She is played by Jill Halfpenny, who I actually think had me watching this show initially those years ago. She is a fantastic actress, whom I knew for her role in EastEnders as Kate.

'''Grantly Budgen''': Although he is not on the front of the DVD, I feel Grantly is quite an important character in the show! Grantly is the head of English, and is very old fashioned in his ways. Surprisingly he does not actually care too much for the children, and can be quite rude at times! Though he is quite an amusing character to watch! He is played by Philip Martin Brown, whose autograph I received today (!), and has been in other shows over the years such as Midsomer Murders and The Bill.

'''Janeece Bryant''': Janeece is very loud and tough, somebody a lot of people would be a little intimidated by. Though she also has a big heart, and cared for people too. She would do anything to help her friends too! She is played by Chelsee Healey, who has been in other shows such as Burn It and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. I think she is well suited to the role and quite amusing!

'''Mika Grainger''': Mika is one of Izzie's two daughters, the eldest. She loves her dad, though things are not easy with him! She seems to have her head screwed on more so than her sister, who do have their arguments but on the whole get on well. She is played fantastically by actress Lauren Drummond, who has been in other shows such as Holby City and Heart Beat.

'''Donte Charles''': Donte is very care-free and quite disobedient. He is in a relationship with Chlo Grainger, and would do anything for her! Though at times their relationship can be pushed to the limits, especially when Donte finds himself in serious trouble. He is played by actor Adam Thomas, who is brother to Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas. He has appeared in only two other shows: Casualty and Doctors.

'''Chlo Grainger''': Chlo is Izzie's youngest daughter, and unlike her sister, does not give a squat about her dad. She too, like boyfriend Donte, is quite relaxed and care-free, but does not want to do wrong by her mum. When Donte is in trouble, she has to choose between what's right and wrong. The character is fantastically portrayed by actress Katie Griffiths, who has appeared in shows such as Casualty and Doctors (funny, same as Adam!).

'''Lewis Seddon''': Lewis likes to think of himself as the hard man of Waterloo Road, always bullying others and trying to show off. He is quite a cheat too! Though he finds himself in more bother than he could wish for! He is fantastically played by Craig Fitzpatrick, who has starred in other shows such as The Visit.

So it seems they are picking their actors out of Holby City, Midsomer Murders, and Casualty! These characters are involved in a grand total of eight episodes in the series, the smallest series, being it the pilot. When you first put in the DVD ready to watch, you have options to choose whether you want to Play All, Episode Selection, and Subtitles. The background here is quite interesting; lined paper, computer keyboard and floppy disks (gosh, remember them?!). All these little extras just add to the amazing DVD! With that, we can begin!

'''Episode One'''
This first episode, we get to know the characters. With the school's new head teacher now in the form of Rimmer, we are also able to find out about the school through him, as he talks about his ideas. Donte's father causes a bit of havoc, while Lorna prepares for her and Tom's wedding. Chlo, Donte, Holly and Adam go off in Donte's dad's Limo, but it results in severe consequences...

I think this was quite a good pilot episode, first airing on the 9th March 2006. I was a little surprised to see the climax here revealed at the end, i thought the events would have been carried onto the next episode before this happened. Though it did leave me gob smacked and eager to carry on to the second episode! There were some good songs for the soundtrack here too, such as Leave Right Now (Will Young) and Relight My Fire (Take That). The episode itself was written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick.

'''Episode Two'''
Waterloo Road is distraught by Adam's death and the fact that Holly is in a coma. Lorna and Tom come back from their honey moon, leaving Izzie feeling awkward. She is so surprised when Lorna reveals some news to her too, especially since Tom had just told her how he felt about her! Izzie's ex husband demands to see is girls, and meanwhile Donte is whisked away to the police station, accused of death by dangerous driving. Steph is also on a mission...involving Jack.

Although I thought it could not be so, this episode was even better than the first! I couldn't believe the outcome of taking the limo, and am only pleased it was not my favourite characters that were hurt badly! It must be awful in that situation, knowing you were responsible for so much! Lorna was beginning to get on my nerves, but in a 'love to hate' kind of way. The episode first aired on the 16th March 2006 and was written by Ann McManus and written by Maureen Chadwick.

'''Episode Three'''
Heavily pregnant Zoe Ramsden joins Waterloo Road and begins to accuse Jack Rimmer of being the father of her unborn child. Though when she goes into labour in the middle of the classroom, the truth is revealed. Lorna's pregnancy meanwhile wedges uneasy in her relationship, while Izzie and Tom are both confused.

I quite liked this episode, and was surprised to see a now-Hollyoaks star in Waterloo Road in the form of Claire Cooper as Zoe. I watched this one straight after the other two, and only wished I had time to continue, as I so wished I could unravel the rest of the stories! It first aired on the 23rd March and was written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick.

'''Episode Four'''
There is chaos with the house system Andrew puts in place when the pupils get a little too competitive. Lorna returns after a 'miscarriage', and Mika and Chlo's dad decides to campaign for justice...by standing on the school roof dressed as a giant bunny! Chlo and Donte come up with a plan, and Chlo announces to Izzie that she wants to come clean...

This was without a doubt one of the most amusing episodes, especially with the giant pink rabbit! By now I understood the characters and their relationships quite a bit! I think the tension here had calmed down a little, only to make latter episodes more of a shock. This episode was written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick, airing first on the 30th March 2006.

'''Episode Five'''
Tom and Lorna have officially separated, allowing Tom to make another move on Izzie. Steph continues to flirt with Jack, and hides her GCSE class coursework. Pupil Zac is also causing concern with the teachers, but is he really on drugs? Meanwhile Chlo goes to make a confession, and steals her father's car to prove a point.

Over half way through the DVD now and things are amazing! In this episode things get all the more tense, there seems no way the situations could get any worse (little do we know what is right around the corner...!). The episode was fantastically written by...yep, you guessed it, Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick! It aired on the 6th April 2006.

'''Episode Six'''
There is a visit from the LEA that day, and Jack has sent Steph and Trenemen on a class trip, along with the year elevens to get the troublesome lot out of the way. When Heather Davenport from the LEA reveals that three school sin the area are under threat of closure, its up to Kim to give her a tour of the school, trying to avoid any troubles at all. Meanwhile, Chlo visits Donte, the kids are amused in the Museum, and Izzie and Tom take their 'relationship' to a new level...

This was probably my favourite episode out of the eight. Just a few weeks ago my school was under its ten-yearly inspection, and I was called a few times to talk to them about various things, which was very intimidating! Because of this I could relate to the episode quite a bit! Steph amused me a lot in this episode too! Surprisingly, this episode was actually written by somebody different, Harry Wootliff, and aired on the 13th April 2006.

'''Episode Seven'''
An Open Day is organised, but can it go down well when gay pupil Rory is going round with a petition for gay rights? Steph blackmails Jack into not sacking her, and Chlo goes to see Holly, who has woken from her coma. Lewis also makes a move and threatens Kim, leaving her in pieces. Tom asks for a divorce, but Izzie had told him to tell Lorna about their affair. Meanwhile, the court case for Donte is luring...

I quite liked this episode, and found Steph to be once again quite amusing! The acts shown during the Open Day, such as the French Wonderwall and the dance to Some Girls (Rachel Stevens) provided an entertaining watch and a great soundtrack too. The episode was written by Shaun Duggan and aired on the 20th April 2006.

'''Episode Eight'''
Traumatised Kim is a little relieved when action is finally taken against Lewis, and Lorna is horrified when she catches Tom and Izzie together in the Drama studio. It's Donte's day in court, but will he be found guilty? And the results for which school is to be closed have been concluded, but can Waterloo Road be saved? Lewis goes a little wild over Jack while he seeks revenge...

This was a very tense episode, when everything was drawn to a conclusion. I was quite surprised by some of the outcomes, but very pleased too. It left the episode on a positive high. Though the very end, just a split second before the credits scrolled up was a little shocking, and as far as I am aware the mystery there has never been revealed! The episode was written by Ann McManus and Maureen Chadwick, and aired on the 27th April 2006.

I managed to watch all of those episodes over two days, and I think I have gone a little bit 'Waterloo Road' in the head! A lot of the characters are still in it too: Grantly, Tom, Chlo, Donte, Steph and Janeece. It's amazing to see how different they look now over three years later!

Unfortunately there are no 'Extras' on the DVD, which is a shame. A few cast interviews would have been nice, and maybe some Bloopers too. It has a certificate of 12, which I think is appropriate because of the reference to sex, drugs, and violence.

If you wish to buy this, it will cost around £20 (HMV), give or take. The cheapest I found it was £17 on Amazon.co.uk, but on eBay it is priced as high as £40, which I thought was shocking! This has left me overly keen to watch Series 2, and now all I need to do is stop saving for the London trip for one minute, and go out and buy it! It's just finding it that's the hard job!

Maybe my school is a bit safer than Waterloo Road, but in reality it isn't much different. There are still slackers, and those who dodge the rules. But I do prefer the uniform in Waterloo Road, so maybe they can just relocate it to near me...

© Amy 2009 

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