Okay, let's talk Home and Away. Specifically, season 33, episode 131. Remember that one? Probably not, right? Don't worry, me neither, not really.
But let's pretend we do, for fun. Think back. Sunshine, surf, and... drama, obviously. It's Summer Bay, after all.
The "Unpopular" Opinions Start Here
Here's my hot take: sometimes, the drama is a little... much? I know, I know, gasp! It’s a soap opera. But even for a soap, sometimes they crank it to eleven.
Like, did anyone *really* believe Susie McAllister was a changed woman? Seriously? I saw that coming from a mile away. She always give off bad vibes.
The Love Triangle That Wasn't *That* Great
And the love triangles. Oh, the love triangles! They are everywhere! It's like, can't anyone just be happily coupled up for five minutes?
I'm not saying I don't enjoy a bit of romantic tension. Who doesn't, right? But when it's recycled and reheated for the tenth time? It gets a bit stale.
Anyone else remember when Tane Parata was torn between two women? Honestly, I found myself siding with Nikau most of the time. At least Nikau had some sense!
Look, Tane is attractive, sure. But his storylines often revolve around relationship drama. Give the man something else to do! Maybe open a gym? He's got the muscles for it.
Alf Stewart: The Eternal Constant
Thank goodness for Alf Stewart, though. Always a solid presence. He is the one constant. A grumpy, but lovable constant.
He's been through it all, seen it all, and probably forgotten more than we'll ever know about Summer Bay. He's practically a national treasure. "Stone the flamin' crows!"
But even Alf gets dragged into the melodrama sometimes. You just want to yell at the TV, "Leave Alf alone!" Give him a fishing trip, a decent beer, and some peace and quiet!
Is It All Bad? Absolutely Not!
Okay, okay, I'm being harsh. Home and Away is comfort viewing. We wouldn't keep watching if there wasn't something to love about it.
There are moments of genuine warmth, friendship, and even a few laughs. Remember when Roo Stewart tried to set up John Palmer on a dating app? Hilarious! Pure comedic gold.
And let's not forget the stunning beach scenery. Seriously, who wouldn't want to live in Summer Bay? (Ignoring all the kidnappings and explosions, of course).
A Guilty Pleasure Worth Indulging
So, yeah, maybe season 33, episode 131 wasn't a masterpiece. Maybe it was full of the usual soap opera tropes. But that's kind of the point, isn't it?
It's a reliable, predictable escape from reality. A chance to switch off your brain and enjoy some good old-fashioned drama. And who am I to judge? I'll be tuning in tomorrow, same time, same channel.
Because secretly, we all love a bit of Summer Bay chaos. Don't deny it. It's our little guilty pleasure. And that's okay.
Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way... or was it the dramatic cliffhangers? I get them confused.
Ultimately, Home and Away is about the people and the community. It showcases characters trying to navigate life, even when it throws curve balls at them.
It gives you characters to care about, to root for, and even to dislike. Because who is on the show if you don't have a good villain?
I like that the show deals with real life situations that everyday people experience. It gives the characters depth and makes them relatable, even if they are overdramatic.
