Dorrie, the self-proclaimed "conserge" of Number 96, continues her relentless interference into the lives of the building's tenants. Bruce's flatmate, Don Finlayson admits that he sabotaged their latest party in order to pacify Dorrie. Flat 8's Lucy Sutcliffe begins her job at the new laundrette, but her day is cut short by electrical problems. Meanwhile, in Flat 7, Vera Collins is being plagued by phantom phone calls.
Vera hosts a party to celebrate Mark's good news about Helen and their baby daughter. Meanwhile, Janie and her flatmate, Bev Houghton (Abigail), do their own celebrating: a double date with Alex and Charles (Max Osbiston). Delicatessen owner Aldo Godolfus (Johnny Lockwood) is unable to keep his daughter at home. In desperation, he tries to arrange a suitable match for Rose "just as they did in the old country", but she is unimpressed with his selection, Dr Julian Myers (Lew Luton). Vera advises Peter Harvey (Peter Guest) about future business ventures through a card-reading.
How will Mark break the shocking news about the baby to Helen? Alf Sutcliffe (James Elliott) is bickering with Lucy again; he wants to return home to England, but his wife is determined to stay. Bev flirts with both Don and Alex and each responds in quite different ways. Helen is suffering from catatonic withdrawal. Rose expresses her true feelings for Mark, but Aldo overhears.
Dorrie makes it her special project to discover who is occupying the vacant shop in front of Flat 1.
Maggie Cameron (Bettina Welch) and Bruce find their time well occupied when they return to Number 96, but Maggie has to be home by eleven o'clock to avoid arousing the suspicions of her husband, Victor (Owen Weingott).
Ethel Brinkman (Jenny Lee), the daughter of Alf and Lucy, returns from Newcastle in a desperate plea for help.
The mysterious caller finally reveals his identity to Vera. It is her estranged husband, Harry (Norman Yemm), and he's not very friendly.
Helen returns home from the hospital and must face reality. Harry is not convinced that Vera's "clients" only want their fortunes read.
Sonia Freeman (Lynn Rainbow) has begun moving chemist supplies and household effects into Flat 1 and its vacant shopfront. Aldo signs a purchase agreement on a restaurant with Mr Holloway (Ken Goodlet). Mark leaves for his job at the local school and while he's away, Dorrie tries to look after Helen. However, Dorrie's lack of tact only creates more of a disturbance.
Dorrie condescends to patronise Lucy's laundrette, at least on a trial basis, to give Lucy a boost. However, two young hippies (Chard Hayward and Cathy Jones) have no inhibitions about using the laundrette at all.
Bev is devasted by Alex's treatment of her. Alf and Harry engage in a heavy drinking session, but Alf is supposed to be driving a 600 mile journey in just a few hours' time. Sonia is observed sharing a very passionate kiss with her brother, Gordon Freeman (Joe James).
Don must leave Bruce's flat. Cliff, Rose's bikie attacker, suddenly becomes more intriguing to her: he's a married man, just like Mark. The Eastwoods' dinner guest, Doctor Jansen (Max Meldrum), surreptiously evaluates Helen's mental health.
Vera is perplexed by a sense of deja vu. Where has she seen Gordon, the new chemist, before?
Sonia feels that Gordon is using her and she forces the issue with him. Herb's solicitor, Mr Calthrop (Ken Fraser), oversees the contractual agreement that makes Herb and Harry partners. Maggie invites Cliff up to Flat 5 for a modelling audition. Vera and Harry try to conceal an intoxicated Herb from Dorrie.
Chad Farrell (Ronne Arnold) and Gordon argue over Sonia. Mark receives a lead in his search for Helen in the form of an anonymous letter, but it will cost him $50. Herb is in trouble when he reminds Dorrie that they had to marry in haste after their daughter, Joan, was conceived. An old lady (Molly Raynor) denies knowing Helen.
Chad and Sonia share an evening out and he confesses his true feelings for her. However, Sonia tries to convince him that she has been in love with Gordon for two years. Aldo leaves Julian and Rose alone, but will he find out that they actually played Monopoly? Alf and Lucy's 30th wedding anniversary is threatened by an impromptu drinking session with George Baker (Barry Donnelly) and Harry. Harry's bigotry reaches breaking point when he encounters Chad on the stairs.
Bev tries unsuccessfully to face reality; Don is no longer the man with whom she first fell in love.
Don is surprisingly sympathetic towards Bev when she apologises for her previous outburst. Maggie has a surprise for Don and Bev, as does Bev's mother, Claire Houghton (Thelma Scott).
Amanda takes Flo, Dorrie and Herb to her fancy dress farewell party, but Herb gets himself arrested. Claire vows to have her revenge over her daughter's death. Amanda resolves Herb's court ordeal. Lucy is uneasy about Mr Poreski (Tim Eliott) and his men, but Alf is determined to tell all on the "Names in the News" television show. Harry wants Vera to have an abortion.
Tracey is falling for Andy, but she knows that Peter won't agree to a divorce. Matt distresses Lorelei when he peeks at her in the shower. Andy is unable to partner Tracey to the hospital ball as he has to work late. Dudley is still in Melbourne, which depresses Don. Arnold is upset about Patti's new job as a private nurse and he drowns his sorrows with Don in the wine bar. A chilling sight greets Norma and Les when they return from the ball: Lorelei has fallen victim to the Pantyhose Murderer. This was the very first episode of Number 96 to be broadcast in colour as Channel Ten commenced a series of equipment tests.
Arnold is furious with Patti. The publicity about the latest murder means that business is booming at the wine bar. The ghouls are out in force; however, Matt has disappeared. Arnold is without an alibi. Don is tortured by doubts about Dudley, while Michael seems evasive. Alf is sure he heard Dudley talking to Lorelei on the night she was strangled.
The Godolfuses seek assistance from "Dig Up A Treasure". Reg reminds Edie of the forthcoming Kerbing and Guttering Ball. Flo begins work at the deli. Lucy disturbs an intruder and follows up a clue concerning Michael. Herb loses a baby at the movies. Roma hears more news of Irving, who faces a gaol term unless she can send him the money he needs.
Andy claims that he was seeking a divorce from his wife on the night of the murder. Les catches Detective Sergeant Short (Ken Fraser) in his trap. Herb gets a legacy from his job: an abandoned baby. Dudley learns of Lorelei's death. Matt finally seems to have an alibi. Patti suspects Peter of murder, but finds incriminating evidence in Arnold's pocket; what does he need with a packet of pantyhose?
Don confronts Dudley about conflicting information. Aldo suspects Reg of murder. Arnold is told a lie about a gift. Arnold and Aldo try to dissuade Roma from sending money to Irving. Edie discovers she must let Reg take Alderman Mrs April Bullock (Judi Farr) to the Kerbing and Guttering Ball. Dudley is the one to suffer when Don decides to be ruthless.
Vera has a strange dream about stolen paintings. The MacDonalds' key is missing from Dorrie's master keyring, which means that Marilyn is in danger. Dorrie departs for a week in Epping to visit her sister, Connie. Meanwhile, a Cinderella goes to the ball when Herb becomes Edie's escort. Vera is stunned by her own predictions.
Dudley inherits $2000 from Lorelei's will, but Alf sticks with his story. To Reg's horror, Edie does a stint of waitressing at the wine bar. Arnold is surprised to find that Patti's new bracelet has an inscription from Graham Thompson, her patient. April plots to keep Edie occupied with committeee work so that she can spend more time with Reg. Don finally gets the truth, if not an explanation, out of Dudley.
Dudley finally tells Don that he was in Sydney the night Lorelei was killed; he had spent time with his wife and son. Roma must decide whether her true loyalties are to Irving or Aldo. Don's spare room is in use again now that his sister, Carol Finlayson (Paula Duncan), has arrived. Carol approves of Dudley. Arnold offers Roma his share of the deli as collateral. Reg believes he has ascertained the identity of the killer when he finds Don on the landing.
Is Tracey jealous of Andy spending time with Vera? A postcard from Tokyo disproves Andy's alibi. Les's hopes for a reward are dashed when Flo finds an article about stolen paintings in the paper. Michael is confused and manages to upset Alf. Vera is being used by Andy against her will.
Edie's suspicions about April have been aroused. Carol warns Don about her boyfriend's homophobia. Alf is suspicious of Lucy. Les has lost his key and Don is implicated. Everyone at Number 96 feels uneasy, but none more so than Marilyn when she finds a sinister package on the doorstep.
Who sent Marilyn a pair of knotted pantyhose? Vera's situation is hopeless. Peter apologises to the Feathers and begs Tracey to come back home. Andy takes Marilyn to the police station. Aldo has prepared himself to make a big sacrifice.
The police think Vera knows too much about the Pintor paintings. Flo suspects Dorrie of being an intruder. Andy admits the truth about his whereabouts the night of Lorelei's murder; he was asking Peter to divorce Tracey. Dorrie has a theory that the strangler only murders blonde women. Will Marilyn be the next victim? Arnold's sacrifice makes two people very happy, while Patti is confronted by a terrifying sight: Tracey has become the latest victim of the Pantyhose Strangler.
Tracey has miraculously survived the attempt on her life, but several of the tenants have some explaining to do. Sergeant Short insists that the perpetrator is a tenant of Number 96. April flirts with Reg, while Carol fights with her boyfriend, Brad Hilton (Terry Bader). Alf's peace of mind is shattered by a chance meeting with Mrs Cole.
Alf quizzes Lucy about Mrs Cole. The Godolfuses are unimpressed with the new deli owner, Freda Fuller (Sheila Bradley). She plans numerous changes. April cannot restrain her feelings for Reg any longer.
Arnold and Freda have their first confrontation. Dorrie has thought of a form of protection against the strangler: a brunette wig. Times will change for Arnold as his old friends, Aldo and Roma, make a sad departure from Number 96.
Dorrie has a premonition of a plane crash. Norma is disturbed when she sees the ghost of Lorelei in the kitchen. Another premonition disturbs Vera. Andy seems to know more about I Kid You Not's poor performance than he will admit. Who doped Vera's horse?
Don and Dudley need dates for their night out with Carol and Brad. A scandal embroils Andy and Vera. Strange occurrences at Number 96 keep alive the tenants' memories of Lorelei. Freda asserts her authority. Andy is fired over the scandal involving I Kid You Not.
Marilyn attempts to warn Edie about April's intentions towards Reg. Alf delves into the past, but Michael's latest news involves Lucy even more; she has inherited money from Tom's will. Dorrie and Flo are vying for supremacy when the Senior Citizens require a new president.
The Feathers meet up with Carol and Brad at the Red Baron. Freda offers temporary work to Dorrie. A meeting in the stairwell with Peter both puzzles Alf and arouses his suspicions. Arnold is saddened by memories of the past and Patti urges him to apply for a new job. Tracey's happiness with Peter is curtailed.
Edie doesn't understand when Reg tries to explain about April's crush on him. Vera is frightened when she finds Michael in her flat. Les disguises himself as a sidewalk artist to catch the strangler. The police believe that Harry Collins is still alive and may be hiding in the area. Lucy must deal with the appearance of a ghost from the past: Tom is alive and well. It is obvious that Michael has been playing some kind of game.
Arnold must travel to Canberra for an interview with a hotel chain. A distraught Tracey claims that Peter has tried to kill her, but refuses to call in the police. Arnold is the new assistant manager of a luxury hotel in Tahiti. The truth about Brad is revealed: he would prefer being with Don. Tragedy strikes once again as Arnold's moment of joy turns to horror: Patti is the murderer's latest victim.
Marilyn's news about Reg shatters Edie. Arnold cannot accept that Patti is dead. Carol makes serious accusations. Dudley is unable to establish an alibi. Michael's motive for lying to Lucy may have been revenge over his mother's death.
Dorrie is jealous about Flo's election to president and Flo finds herself homeless. Les is found with pantyhose around his neck, but he is just conducting an experiment. Andy's plan misfires. Arnold must face grim reality.
Flo makes a sacrifice. Carol ends her disagreement with Don. Dudley's wallet reveals a strange secret.
Marilyn and Carol are both scared, but for different reasons. Andy must prepare Vera for a shock.
Dudley tells Don that he has found another photo in his wallet: Marilyn's! Vera is unable to attend Patti's funeral because she is needed at the police station. Detective Sergeant Short arrives to arrest Dudley for murder at the climax of a very sad day for the tenants.
The Sutcliffes have arranged for Arnold to stay with their son, Jim, in Perth. Vera explains that Harry did not die in the car crash after all. Dorrie's babysitting duties precludes her attendance at Claire Houghton's luncheon, but Les provides a solution by dressing in drag. Don's attitude has everyone puzzled. Tanya Schnolskevitska (Natalie Mosco) considers taking a job in the wine bar. Vera's dream may have revealed the killer's identity.
Marilyn and Michael try to console Edie over Reg's absence. Freda wants Tanya to work in the deli and she takes up the offer. Lucy takes Vera's dream seriously and wants her to tell the police that she "saw" Marilyn's murder. Flo discovers that Dorrie had actually been waitressing for Claire, not socialising, at her luncheon. Reg returns from a week's sojourn in Woy Woy, which he did to punish Edie for neglecting her domestic duties. Michael reaches a most important decision; he and Marilyn get married.
Edie takes Marilyn's news better than Reg. Tracey tells Vera that she thinks Peter is the killer. Reg realises a marriage cannot be anulled if it has been consummated. Vera's health is a concern: she has been poisoned. Tracey lets out a secret that upsets Marilyn.
Les considers a career as a nanny. Dudley is hiding out in a hotel. Carol has resigned her job and seeks work in the wine bar. The Whittakers have an increase to the family when Norma's mother, Mrs Florentine (Aileen Britton), comes to stay. Les greets her at the door dressed as Dorrie. The trap is closing in on the murderer.
Marilyn's lunch is a complete disaster. Andy raises suspicions. There is a happy reunion for Norma when Dudley returns, but terror for Marilyn in the laundrette when the murderer is revealed to her.
Following Tracey's arrest for her attempt on Marilyn's life, the police think the mystery of the Pantyhose Murders is resolved, but Tracey has other plans. Mrs Florentine does not approve of sleeping on a camp bed. Tracey tells Andy how she escaped from the police, but leaps to her death from a Flat 6 window.
Vera is released from hospital, only to learn of the news about Tracey. She realises that Tracey must have been the one who poisoned her. Les commences teaching Dorrie to drive. Freda offers Arnold the job of manager of the deli. Don's health is still a cause for concern. Dorrie finds that her driving lessons are not incident-free.
Alf's taxi causes a disturbance in Norma's Bar. Trixie O'Toole returns from Brisbane and moves into Vera's spare room. Carol and Dudley wonder why Don has chosen not to confide in them. Dorrie wants to work as a fashion model for Vera to earn the money she owes Alf. Norma can't believe what her own eyes tell her: Aldo and Roma Godolfus have returned home.
The MacDonalds plan a surprise celebration for Marilyn and Michael, but Reg has given a budget of only $15. Arnold breaks the news to Aldo and Roma about Patti and Tracey. Marilyn and Michael consider moving out of Flat 5, while the Godolfuses move into Flat 6. Don receives some shocking news from his doctor; he has only six months to live.
Reg has invited the TC to the party and raises the budget by $40. Arnold can see a glimmer of hope. Dorrie applies for a job advertised in the paper and is almost skewered by a professional knife-thrower. Edie's fruit punch has been laced with several different additives. Marilyn and Michael reach the right decision. A change of luck is in store for Alf: he has won the lottery!
Freda refuses to pay Tanya and Arnold their wages. Roma and Aldo's new plan to go into the restaurant business will involve Arnold. Alf lets Dorrie off the hook regarding the damage to his taxi after his lottery win, but his joy soon turns into rage. His partner, Chiller Thomas, had put the winning ticket into his own name only and is refusing to share the winnings.
Trixie attracts the attention of TC Buchanan (Brian Moll). Les has arranged a piano for "Happy Hour" in the wine bar, to be played by Flo. Lucy hears from Tom Bartlett in New Zealand, who can't understand Michael's silence. Dorrie's financial situation is desperate again, while Alf's attitude is unrelenting.
Life is much brighter for Flo, but storm clouds are gathering over Aldo's shop. Freda fires all her staff. Marilyn and Michael are bickering. Will Dorrie become the new tea lady at the Paddington Town Hall? Freda has put the deli up for sale.
Norma wants her own bed back, but Les assures her that a Murphy bed is on order for Mrs Florentine. Dudley is very concerned about Don, so Carol decides to take the initiative; she discovers that Don's illness may be terminal. The Godolfuses try to turn back time. Andy horrifies Arnold; he wants to move back into Flat 6.
Trixie continues to fight off the attentions of the TC. Vera is angry about some unusual overnight visitors: two near-naked young unicyclists. Les creates havoc with the Murphy bed he installs for Norma's mother. Marilyn makes some accusations which silence Michael; a phone call from New Zealand has revealed the existence of a secret wife and child.
Reg is promoted to ADTC. Lucy lends Dorrie $500 to pay for the damage to Alf's taxi. Changes are planned for the deli, but Tanya may lose her job. Reg's plan to surprise Marilyn and Michael works perfectly, to their horror; he knows they are not married. Dorrie has a shock of her own for Flo.
The TC proposes to Trixie. Alf threatens Chiller about the lottery money. Les's attempts at matchmaking Norma's mother with the TC result in disaster. The sausage machine causes trouble again in Flat 1. Edie has a wedding to plan, but Marilyn and Michael decide to elope instead. Alf has a surprise when Chiller's wife brings him a substantial cheque.
Don's high calorie diet is of concern, but he is following doctor's orders. Andy has a solution for the dilemma which has embroiled Tanya; he offers her a job as his secretary. Dudley and Carol plan to contact Amanda about Don's condition, while Vera has strange visitors once again.
Dorrie has plans for the Town Hall. Lucy threatens Alf, while Marilyn suffers a shock.
Trouble is looming over Number 96. Amanda learns about Don's problem, while Trixie decides to put Vera's plan into operation.
Dorrie requires help from Don. Vera learns the truth. The tenants get ready for battle.
Reg is in deep trouble, while Aldo and Roma have a surprise visit. Andy is out on a limb.
A long-forgotten talent is recalled by Edie. Trouble pursues Dorrie as Trixie interferes.
Maggie Cameron has a shock for Don, but saves an angry tirade for Andy.
Roma's latest career venture has repercussions. Lucy is unhappy while Maggie shows a side of her character which is rarely seen.
Andy is furious. Dudley and Carol find it difficult to hide their unhappiness.
Arnold's patience runs out. A letter from an old friend arrives for Vera.
Dorrie has a new scheme, but Arnold refuses to take part in it. Maggie has a surprise for everyone.
Trixie is left with some explaining to do. Reg shocks Edie with news of a move.
Maggie has a warning for Andy. Carol and Dudley are caught in a compromising situation.
Alf and Les have formulated a plan. Marilyn loses her temper. Vera has another premonition.
Norma determines to investigate the new restaurant. Maggie tries to take over Vera's latest boarder, Adam Shaw (Julian Rockett). Roma and Arnold stubbornly refuse to resolve their differences.
Lucy's news is a source of horror for Alf: she is expecting a change-of-life baby. Les's latest scheme does not impress Norma.
Arnold disappoints Aldo, while Tanya makes a mistake.
Tanya has a surprise. Andy refuses the offer of a bribe. Carol is distressed by some news.
Dudley has an important decision to make. Arnold is determined to fight for Aldo.
Dorrie and Herb arouse the wrath of Maggie. Marilyn has a proposition for Adam.
Vera's suggestion proves a shock for Adam, while Les is desolate. Confusion reigns for Carol and Dudley.
Jaja's latest escapades infuriate Prim. Norma can't understand the new mystery.
Dudley's latest plans amaze the Sutcliffes. Maggie confronts Jaja.
The MacDonalds receive a nasty shock and Roma loses her patience with Aldo.
Roma speaks harshly to Aldo. Flo's behaviour baffles Dorrie.
Reg and Edie are unsure how to handle a situation. Maggie has strong advice for Vera.
Flo is desperately unhappy, while it seems that Vera has overplayed her hand.
Maggie has infuriated Warwick. Some unlikely visitors call on Reg at one o'clock in the morning.
The new Flo raises Dorrie's suspicions that her friend is shoplifting. Lucy and Alf think they have solved their house-hunting troubles: they decide to swap flats with Don. Les finds a note about a bomb in Number 96 and sounds a warning to all the residents, but will he have enough time?
Arnold is shocked by a visit from Aldo's daughter, Rose Myers. Don has some plans afoot.
Dudley runs into trouble, while Reg has some explaining to do to Edie. Lucy discovers the truth about the tragic bomb blast.
Alf blames himself for his awful mistake. Dorrie has a mystery to solve.
Mystery continues to surround Maggie. Jack Sellars lends a hand to trap the bomber. What is the truth behind Flo's strange secret?
Dudley's reaction to Jaja's adventures thrill her. Arnold makes a noble sacrifice.
Dorrie is not sure if she approves of the changes in Flo. Some news brings out a strange reaction in Liz.
Further adventures of the Number 96 crew on the big screen. After a devastating experience at the hands of a group of bikies Vera Collins recovers at the home of socialite friend Claire Houghton where she meets distinguished politician Nicholas Brent. She is romanced by him and worries that her shady past may harm his career but abruptly calls off the affair after a shock meeting with his son Tony. Dorrie and Herb begin arrangements for the celebration of their Ruby wedding anniversary with Roma, Arnold, Norma and Dudley all crossing wires and duplicating tasks while attempting to help out and cut costs. However a shocking discovery by Flo threatens to halt the celebrations and brings a new man into Dorrie's life. Meanwhile Aldo struggles to work two jobs after accidentally losing the money he had secretly pocketed in the deli to avoid paying income tax on it, and Lucy is suitably unimpressed after Les ropes Alf into his latest money-spinner; a sauna in the building's basement. Simon Carr returns as Vera and Maggie's business partner, while they reminisce about their earlier feud over him it seems someone else has caught his eye: Don Finlayson. Having recovered from her breakdown Sonia Vansard returns to Number 96 with her new husband Duncan, though she seems continually nervous and flustered. She renews acquaintance with good friend Jack Sellars and befriends her new neighbour Diana Moore who Jack is also romancing, though after several bizarre incidents and forgetful episodes begins to question her sanity. Dorrie and Herb's wedding celebration, a sumptuous costume affair, is finally held, but Vera is shocked to discover a fearsome gate-crasher at the party.
In June 1976 a two-hour special was produced to celebrate the 1000th episode of Number 96. Entitled And They Said it Wouldn't Last, the special was presented by former stars of the show from the show's actual sets and remains probably the best overall resource of the series short of screening the actual episodes. Indeed the special contains much footage from the early black and white period of the show that no longer exists in any other form; after the full changeover of Australian television to colour production and broadcasting by Easter 1975, no one ever dreamed viewers would watch black and white television again, and few of the black and white episodes were saved. All episodes from the first few weeks - episodes 1 to 15 - remain, and episodes 31 to 35 were also kept. Unfortunately the rest of the 1972 episodes, all of the 1973 episodes, and all but one of the black and white episodes from 1974 - about two thirds of that year's episodes - are lost. Just one black and white 1974 episode, episode 450 from the opening week of that season, survived the purge. All of the episodes produced in full colour - starting with episode 585 first broadcast in August 1974 through until episode 1218 - remain. It is some consolation that highlight clips from a few of the lost episodes were saved as small clips in And They Said it Wouldn't Last.
Number 96: The Final Years, an excellent new companion-piece documentary which concentrates on the episodes of the series produced subsequent to the special, along with more on series characters such as the MacDonalds that had not been heavily featured given that they were still current series characters in 1976. This look at the final years is produced by Andrew Mercado, author of invaluable resource book Super Aussie Soaps, and features footage from the later episodes along with enlightening and sincere interviews with cast members Elaine Lee, Sheila Kennelly, Wendy Blacklock and Deborah Gray, along with series creator and writer David Sale.
In the early years, the cast of Number 96 would travel from Sydney to Melbourne for the Logie awards on a special train called SPIRIT of 96