Summer Bay's Triumph

As Home and Away causes controversy in conservative Australia, in England I am finally impressed that an Australian soap has plucked up the courage to run with a gay relationship storyline. Not that it hasn't been done before. Back in the 90's Shannon (Isla Fisher) had an affair with a female writer staying in the caravan park. In 2004 Neighbours caused a stir when the popular Sky Mangle (Stephanie McIntosh) shared a kiss with a fello student. And of course, only this past year, Xavier's wacky and wayward ex grabbed a quick kiss with Nicole.

 Charlie and Joey come to terms with their relationship

But one glaringly obvious point with these past episodes is their lack of run time. These gay moments have simply been used to spice up a story, to develop one's character, but never has either of the Australian soaps decided to create a gay couple as an ongoing and stable part of the soap. But it finally seems that execs at Home and Away have decided to dramatise modern times, changes, stereotypes, and homophobia. Whether Joey and Charlie's love will continue remains to be seen, but the scripting has been undertaken excellently, creating excitement whilst keeping realism. However, with Charlie's & Hugo's indiscretion on the beach in tonight's episode, I hope that isn't all just another case of soap's once again buckling against conservative and bigotistic views.