Brookside: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Brookside Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Episode 333 - Forgetful
Jan 6, 1986 · 30 min
James has dinner at the Collins', and Annabelle and Paul soon suspect that he has something to hide. Jane receives some good advice, but will she listen?
Episode 334 - Birthday Girl
Jan 7, 1986 · 30 min
It's Claire's first birthday. Paul and Annabelle's fears about Lucy have been confirmed. Pat and Sandra discover that Jane has left during the night, taking a few of their things w
Episode 335 - Difference of Opinion
Jan 13, 1986 · 30 min
When the Clearys remove the wheels from Pat and Terry's van, they get much more than they bargained for. Nicholas helps Heather with her decorating and insists on staying to finish
Episode 336 - No Harm Done
Jan 14, 1986 · 30 min
Barry and Pat have plans to stop a war. Vicki blames Terry for her brothers being beaten up. Paul and Annabelle try to discover where James really works.
Episode 337 - Brass Tacks
Jan 20, 1986 · 30 min
Pat defies Terry and takes the law into his own hands with Barry. When Paul discovers something about James, he gives him a week to reveal it to Lucy. Heather is disappointed to di
Episode 338 - Some Mistake
Jan 21, 1986 · 30 min
Barry is determined to continue sorting out Terry's problems with the Clearys, but he is about to make a big mistake. Billy and Doreen meet with Tracy's headmaster and the teacher
Episode 339 - Rats
Jan 27, 1986 · 30 min
Damon and Neil have another cunning plan, but as usual, it's about to backfire. James's attempts to dump Lucy don't have the intended result.
Episode 340 - Privatisation
Jan 28, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby is bothered by scabs on the Close. Lucy decides to tell her parents that she has stopped seeing James. Sheila wants to adopt, or at least sponsor, a child. Nicholas takes Hea
Episode 341 - What's She Been Doing
Feb 3, 1986 · 30 min
Lucy and Tracy have exactly the same problem: their parents don't understand them or approve of their actions.
Episode 342 - So It's True
Feb 4, 1986 · 30 min
Tracy comes clean about Peter, who wishes she hadn't, when Billy exacts brutal revenge. But James is still keeping Lucy blissfully unaware of a few things.
Episode 343 - Spying
Feb 10, 1986 · 30 min
Annabelle spots Lucy and James together in town but isn't prepared for what Lucy tells her. Sheila spots Barry handing over a bundle of money to a stranger.
Episode 344 - Goings
Feb 11, 1986 · 30 min
Heather is attacked for political incorrectness. There are some unwelcome revelations for Lucy. Tracy disappears.
Episode 345 - Listening
Feb 17, 1986 · 30 min
Tracy is staying away, and Lucy refuses to face up to the facts about James.
Episode 346 - Taking it Badly
Feb 18, 1986 · 30 min
Lucy discovers that her boyfriend isn't even called James when she decides it is time to pay a visit to his wife.
Episode 347 - Personalising
Feb 24, 1986 · 30 min
Doreen fears that Billy will be sent to prison. Can someone with previous experience reassure her? Ralph tries to help Harry compose a "lonely hearts" ad. When Heather gives Nick a
Episode 348 - Interpretation
Feb 25, 1986 · 30 min
Harry wonders if he is being disloyal to Edna. Ralph can't make up his mind. Heather's curiosity about Barbara gets the better of her, but she is not at all prepared for what she d
Episode 349 - Uncooperative
Mar 3, 1986 · 30 min
Harry receives nineteen replies to his advert, one of which is from a man. Billy appears in court but refuses to cooperate with his probation officer.
Episode 350 - Change of Mind
Mar 4, 1986 · 30 min
After Harry posts his letter to Madge, he has second thoughts and wants to get it back.
Episode 351 - Mistaken Identity
Mar 10, 1986 · 30 min
Sandra is offered a promotion, but to the private ward. Bobby receives a letter about a loan taken out in his name. At the art gallery at which Madge is due to meet Harry, she unfo
Episode 352 - Be My Guest
Mar 11, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby is jealous of Sheila's tutor when he holds a class in their front room. Sandra is annoyed to find Vicki cooking her steaks in the kitchen. Ralph wants to borrow Harry's car.
Episode 353 - In-Depth Interview
Mar 17, 1986 · 30 min
Sandra starts her new job, and Sally Dinsdale turns up at the Grants' with a black eye. Karen interviews Paula Yates.
Episode 354 - Born Romancer
Mar 18, 1986 · 30 min
Sandra and Jackie show the pest control man their cockroach-infested rooms. Sheila tries to convince Bobby that he has nothing to worry about.
Episode 355 - Birthday Cards
Mar 24, 1986 · 30 min
On Bobby's birthday, Damon gets his cards. Pat pesters Sandra about why she is so irritable, not expecting the answer he gets. A telephone call from Teresa forces Sheila to lie for
Episode 356 - Cruel to be Kind
Mar 25, 1986 · 30 min
Sandra tries to let Pat down gently, but it's almost impossible.
Episode 357 - Are You Ready
Mar 31, 1986 · 30 min
Guy invites Karen to spend the night with him, and she agrees. Ralph sneaks out to see Madge. leaving Harry to spend the bank holiday on his own.
Episode 358 - A Tricky One
Apr 1, 1986 · 30 min
A shop steward draws Bobby's attention to some surprising payslips. Madge pays a visit to the bungalow, and Ralph's planned trip to Torquay with her turns into a foursome.
Episode 359 - Best Out Of It
Apr 7, 1986 · 30 min
When Tracy is bored at home, the Corkhills' telephone bill is about to start shooting up. Sheila confronts Mo, who tells her that Matty is leaving Teresa to marry her.
Episode 360 - Differentials
Apr 8, 1986 · 30 min
George tries to convince Bobby to take the "long view". Heather and Keith return from Aberdeen. Sally Dinsdale turns up again, and this time Sheila insists that she stays. Damon ge
Episode 361 - Diving
Apr 14, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila has a frightening secret she doesn't want to worry Bobby with. A visit by Jehovah's Witnesses results in Pat and Terry missing "The Magic Rabbits". Harry, Ralph, Julia and M
Episode 362 - Fraud Investigation
Apr 15, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila confides in Alun over the poison-pen letter. Pat and Terry appear to have dropped themselves in it with an unexpected visitor, but is there a solution?
Episode 363 - Sexual Blackmail
Apr 21, 1986 · 30 min
Lucy seems to have got over losing James, as she meets another man; but Paul and Annabelle are not convinced that Barry is a suitable partner for anyone. Bobby is annoyed with Shei
Episode 364 - Making it Worse
Apr 22, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby faces a difficult choice - his job or his men? When Karen gets a nasty telephone call, Sheila explains that it was meant for her. Nick has a confrontation with Keith Tench ov
Episode 365 - Rationalisation
Apr 28, 1986 · 30 min
Billy and Doreen anxiously go to court, as so much depends on the result of their appeal. Keith Tench is determined to make Heather's life difficult.
Episode 366 - Au Revoir
Apr 29, 1986 · 30 min
Rod and Damon are both convinced that they have won their bet. Petrochem is taken over. Lucy says her goodbyes as she prepares to leave for France with Barry, but she's leaving som
Episode 367 - Deferred
May 5, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby advises Billy to go to his union, but he isn't hopeful. Rod and Damon both try to snatch victory in their programme collecting contest. Heather discovers that Nick's phone ha
Episode 368 - Reassurance
May 6, 1986 · 30 min
Romance is in the air for Heather. Sheila feels guilty about lying to Teresa. Damon leaves home.
Episode 369 - Just Like That
May 12, 1986 · 30 min
Paul is in for more than one disappointment. Doreen thinks her new acquisition will help out - but disaster is about to strike.
Episode 370 - Vibes
May 13, 1986 · 30 min
Paul takes his redundancy in his stride, but is dubious about news he receives of Lucy. Doreen is angry with Billy for not returning the bricks, fearing that they might jeopardise
Episode 371 - Hang-ups
May 19, 1986 · 30 min
Doreen is reluctant to worry Billy with the phone bill, but he's got a bigger problem to face anyway. Karen is frightened after receiving several phone calls in which no-one speaks
Episode 372 - First Time
May 20, 1986 · 30 min
Karen sleeps with Guy, Paul voices his feelings of insecurity, and Madge offers to help Harry learn to drive.
Episode 373 - Dinner Guests
May 26, 1986 · 30 min
Just as Karen and Guy are happy with their relationship, he has a proposal that would make it permanent. Billy and Doreen discover why the phone bill is so high.
Episode 374 - First Impressions
May 27, 1986 · 30 min
Heather meets Nick's children for the first time, and they're not all impressed with her. Then one of them is involved in an accident...
Episode 375 - Coming of Age
Jun 2, 1986 · 30 min
Billy convinces Doreen that the furniture should be moved upstairs while Rod has a party. Pat is determined to have an argument and eventually finds one. Heather and Nick reconside
Episode 376 - Something Beginning With Sss
Jun 3, 1986 · 30 min
Rod decides that he would like to join the police, but Billy isn't impressed with that idea. A romantic kiss leaves Karen in an awkward predicament.
Episode 377 - MYOB
Jun 9, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby puts his job on the line by defying George Williams. Annabelle tries to talk Paul out of protesting. Ralph and Harry aren't speaking.
Episode 378 - Unlawful
Jun 10, 1986 · 30 min
Harry and Ralph misuse a "disabled driver" badge. Paul buys timber to build a lollipop sign, and Sandra denies everything.
Episode 379 - Misguided
Jun 16, 1986 · 30 min
Paul's impression of a lollipop man is not appreciated by some of the schoolchildren, who relieve him of his sign, nor by a policeman, who visits him at home. Nick has forgotten so
Episode 380 - Sound and Fury
Jun 17, 1986 · 30 min
When Tony arrives, Pat realises that Sandra may not have dropped the Cribbs-Baker case after all. Sheila is nervous about her seminar. Terry tries to find somewhere to go where the
Episode 381 - Similarity
Jun 23, 1986 · 30 min
Harry finds a photograph that makes him believe his house is being used for immoral purposes. Sheila has even more to worry about.
Episode 382 - Reality
Jun 24, 1986 · 30 min
Pat is shown up by a bottle of perfume. Sheila finally discovers who wrote the threatening letter to her. However, the person responsible wasn't making the phone calls.
Episode 383 - Rice
Jun 30, 1986 · 30 min
Pat and Sandra don't go to Heather and Nick's wedding reception, and things become violent between them. Matty is in for a shock.
Episode 384 - On the Line
Jul 1, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby goes to London to face a disciplinary committee. Terry finds out about Vicki's photograph. Cribbs-Baker tries to intimidate Tony and Sandra. Matty accuses Sheila of turning M
Episode 385 - Hope
Jul 7, 1986 · 30 min
Ralph finds himself giving Harry a driving lesson, and discovers it's not something he'd like to repeat.
Episode 386 - No Hope
Jul 8, 1986 · 30 min
Sally Dinsdale's husband has gone on the rampage, and she is fearful of what he might do. Sheila and Matty argue in the taxi home after class, and she gets out and walks into a hor
Episode 387 - Raped
Jul 14, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila arrives home shaken and dazed, and although she tells Bobby what happened, she doesn't want to involve the police. The police pick up a drunken Pat, who looks like he's been
Episode 388 - We Have To Ask
Jul 15, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila is persuaded to call the police and discuss the attack, and Pat becomes the prime suspect.
Episode 389 - Who Could It Be
Jul 21, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila isn't telling the police everything she knows. Matty tells Bobby who he thinks is the rapist.
Episode 390 - It Couldn't Be
Jul 22, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby feels that there are things to be cleared up between him and Sheila - but she disagrees.
Episode 391 - Leaving All This Behind
Jul 28, 1986 · 30 min
Nick discovers that Ruth has disobeyed him. Tony has an announcement to make about his future. Matty does nothing to improve his situation with the police
Episode 392 - A Real Suspect
Jul 29, 1986 · 30 min
Following their investigation, the police believe they now have enough evidence to make an arrest.
Episode 393 - Time to Confess
Aug 4, 1986 · 30 min
Matty is questioned by the police and encouraged to admit that he is the rapist. Bobby tries to return to work, but is prevented from doing so by George.
Episode 394 - Poor Teresa
Aug 5, 1986 · 30 min
A confession convinces the police that they have found the guilty man, while Harry tries to discover the identity of the victim. Billy finds himself locked out, Paul finds himself
Episode 395 - Persistence
Aug 11, 1986 · 30 min
At Teresa's funeral, Matty's family blame him for her death. Adam teaches Paul to ride his bicycle. Sandra fails to convince a reporter to cover her story, and Tracy is too fully c
Episode 396 - Facing Up
Aug 12, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby returns to his work, and conflict with George. Harry decides that it is time to raise the rents payable by his tenants.......including Ralph. Karen confides in Sandra that sh
Episode 397 - Crossing the Road
Aug 18, 1986 · 30 min
Paul thinks he has found a way of blocking the dangerous road legally, but it leads to him spending time in a police cell and losing his bike. Sheila believes the rape has left her
Episode 398 - Qualifications
Aug 19, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila has some relieving news, Rod receives his "O" Level results, Doreen holds a clothes party, and Annabelle has her interview.
Episode 399 - Home
Aug 25, 1986 · 30 min
Annabelle and Paul meet Gordon's friend, but are they right to be optimistic? Charlie is behaving suspiciously. Guy finds accomodation for himself and Karen.
Episode 400 - Playing Politics
Aug 26, 1986 · 30 min
Ruth discovers where Charlie is. Kathleen's aggressiveness could jeopardise the road safety campaign. Terry warns Pat that he could be in trouble if he sees Andrea again.
Episode 401 - Disagreement
Sep 1, 1986 · 30 min
When Carol discovers that Gordon is gay, she refuses to go on working for Annabelle. Karen and Guy have a row. Heather is back from Hong Kong, and her first visitor is Charlie. Nic
Episode 402 - Flares
Sep 2, 1986 · 30 min
When Andrea calls, Terry locks Pat out in the cold with only his pants to keep him warm, and his appeals to Heather for help lead to her discovering that Nick has lied to her. Ruth
Episode 403 - Under Pressure
Sep 8, 1986 · 30 min
While Pat is with Andrea, her husband turns up, and Terry has to distract him. Harry challenges Paul to a race. Sandra is determined that Pat is not going to force her out of the h
Episode 404 - Pedal Power
Sep 9, 1986 · 30 min
Sandra disapproves when Pat continues to see Andrea. Billy has a narrow escape from a serious accident at work. Harry and Paul's race to Delamere Forest ends in a draw.
Episode 405 - Connection
Sep 15, 1986 · 30 min
Nick and Charlie have a brush with the law. Dr. Hurrell returns to say goodbye to Sandra and stays overnight. After Damon catches them in bed together, Karen and Guy go to view a f
Episode 406 - Wondering
Sep 16, 1986 · 30 min
Gordon is appearing in a television interview, and Paul and Annabelle try to ensure that none of the neighbours watch it.
Episode 407 - Newspapers
Sep 22, 1986 · 30 min
Karen tells Sandra she plans to move in with Guy. When Sally comes to stay, Harry wants Ralph to give up his bed. A mix-up by the paper boy causes Billy to discover that Gordon is
Episode 408 - Flowers
Sep 23, 1986 · 30 min
Bobby and Sheila go to tea with Guy and Karen, and Bobby ruins everything with one remark. Heather is being tormented by Nick and Charlie's behaviour.
Episode 409 - Could Have Been
Sep 29, 1986 · 30 min
Ruth seems to know more about Nick than Heather does. Gail plans to have sex with Damon in a hotel room, but there's a man in the bath. Sandra leaves the close with Tony.
Episode 410 - Nobody Wants To Know
Sep 30, 1986 · 30 min
Terry has a small problem with the rent. Damon has to run to catch Gail. Harry buys a huge teddy, but no one seems interested in knowing why. Ruth is forced to reveal the horrifyin
Episode 411 - Too Much, Too Soon
Oct 6, 1986 · 30 min
Harry insists on helping to select a new flatmate for Pat and Terry.
Episode 412 - Double Glazing
Oct 7, 1986 · 30 min
Nick has some hard choices to make. Sheila tells Damon he can leave her alone in the house, but a salesman calls and unwittingly reminds her of the rape.
Episode 413 - Misconceptions
Oct 13, 1986 · 30 min
Annabelle begins her training to be a magistrate and isn't very successful. Pat wonders why Gill keeps staring at him. When Bobby comes home, he finds that Gail has taken over.
Episode 414 - For His Own good
Oct 14, 1986 · 30 min
Heather is determined to reform Nick. Annabelle is reluctant to give Damon driving lessons.
Episode 415 - Shortcomings
Oct 20, 1986 · 30 min
Andrea makes it clear that she's only after one thing. Sheila tries to be left alone, and Nick is going to be found out.
Episode 416 - Schemes
Oct 21, 1986 · 30 min
Gordon goes for a job interview. Barry takes Sheila shopping. Harry does some scheming.
Episode 417 - Impure Thoughts
Oct 27, 1986 · 30 min
In his interview, Rod begins to worry about the reputation of the Corkhills. When Sheila finds Gail and Damon coming out of his bedroom, she doesn't believe they were just tidying
Episode 418 - A Personal Favour
Oct 28, 1986 · 30 min
Pat and Terry win a trip to Barbados. Billy is not keen on Tracy's intention of becoming a model. Nick begs Heather to let him stay with her.
Episode 419 - Financially Embarrassed
Nov 3, 1986 · 30 min
Julian Tyler is determined to find Billy. Pat and Terry collect their tickets for Barbados. Doreen reaches her credit limit. Heather asks Barry's advice.
Episode 420 - Custard Powder
Nov 4, 1986 · 30 min
Gail prepares a meal, but is missing a vital ingredient. When she starts to talk about marriage, Damon starts to panic. Barry makes a prediction.
Episode 421 - Taken For a Ride
Nov 10, 1986 · 30 min
Things get tight for the Corkhills. Pat and Terry set off for Barbados, and although they believe Mrs McArdle is slightly senile, she secretly conceals a package in a locker at the
Episode 422 - Getting Suspicious
Nov 11, 1986 · 30 min
Rod takes his police exams. Heather discovers that Nick has been using her cheque book. Pat thinks he's in love. Harry decides to confiscate a hi-fi from his tenants' home, and Pau
Episode 423 - Discerning
Nov 17, 1986 · 30 min
Tommy McArdle's attempts to chat up Gill are not appreciated. Mrs McArdle gives her minders the slip, and Annabelle is irritated when Paul video-records her in the kitchen.
Episode 424 - How Could You
Nov 18, 1986 · 30 min
Sheila discovers why the trial has been postponed, and is annoyed with others for interfering. Paul confronts Barry, believing he is being disloyal to Lucy. Gordon buys a motorbike
Episode 425 - Finishing the Job
Nov 24, 1986 · 30 min
Pat and Terry find out that they have been duped, and that Tommy now requires them to go to Glasgow. Nick reaches rock bottom when the council decide he is a liability. Annabelle h
Episode 426 - One Careless Owner
Nov 25, 1986 · 30 min
Nick tries to raise money so that he can go into a clinic. Doreen wants rid of Jimmy in case he ruins Rod's chances of joining the police. Annabelle has to ask her neighbors to loo
Episode 427 - Something Missing
Dec 1, 1986 · 30 min
When Annabelle goes round the Close to collect all her food, she discovers there isn't as much as she remembered. Vicki is suspicious of Terry. Harry puts pressure on Sally to move
Episode 428 - Severe Food Poisoning
Dec 2, 1986 · 30 min
After the meal she has served has not been received quite as well as she hoped, Annabelle feels that she must makes enquires about the state of health of her neighbours. Harry blam
Episode 429 - Found
Dec 8, 1986 · 30 min
The police bring Heather the news that Nick has been found. Gordon discovers that Chris has gone on a skiing holiday. The Corkhills' television is repossessed, and Annabelle decide
Episode 430 - Too Many Memories
Dec 9, 1986 · 30 min
Pat receives a letter from Avril. Tracy signs up for a hairdressing job. Tragic news forces Heather to decide about her future.
Episode 431 - Offences
Dec 15, 1986 · 30 min
Annabelle finds her first day in court as a magistrate to be something of an anti-climax. Paul accidentally sets off Heather's burglar alarm. Rod wonders whether he really stands a
Episode 432 - Misplaced Loyalty
Dec 16, 1986 · 30 min
Gordon and Annabelle are not impressed that Paul is gloating because Barry is still expecting Lucy to come home for Christmas. Charlie discovers that Nick is dead. Tracy arrives la
Episode 433 - Father Christmas
Dec 22, 1986 · 30 min
Jimmy brings a Christmas present for Billy, but Doreen isn't convinced that he should accept it. Harry observes some suspicious behaviour involving Father Christmas and some hamper
Episode 434 - Robin Hood
Dec 23, 1986 · 30 min
It's party time on the Close, and Gail is trying her luck with more than just one man. Harry overhears Jack explaining his scam, and turns it to his own advantage. Rod's time alone
Episode 435 - No Joke
Dec 29, 1986 · 30 min
Guy is distraught because Karen has finished with him and is moving to London. Rod receives potentially useful press coverage. While Doreen confides in Sheila about her financial p
Episode 436 - All Mod Cons
Dec 30, 1986 · 30 min
To Rod's dismay, Billy just can't keep his hands off the electrics. Gail gate-crashes a party Damon has gone to. Bobby and Barry have a long chat in the pub.