Favourite Grange Hill years/series?

After going through the series from 1978 until the mid 90s(currently on 1993) I will list my favourites and least favourites below.

Favourites:

1978:

Ok, so the pace may have been slow, but this was the experimental stage. Had it not been for Series 1, nothing else would've mattered. I also like the introduction of Tucker and Trisha Yates.

1980:

This was the first transitional phase, with new characters coming in(although 1979 introduced Cathy and that Greek kid, who's name I can't spell properly, sorry lol)

New first years in the form of Pogo and Orpington appear, which for me was probably the first generation I remember as a youngster, so 1980 was setting the tone for the next few years. The story lines moved faster during this period.

1981:

The introduction of Booga Benson and the early appearances of Gripper Stebson, make this a golden period of what was to come over the next couple of years. Grange Hill was becoming more gritty in feel, something that would become more commonplace during the Zammo/Roland years.


1982:

The introduction of what was to become the golden generation of Grange Hill with Zammo, Roland and a whole host of other interesting first years. Also, Gripper became much more devious and threatening during this period.


Downside: Tucker and his group were phased out.


1983:

The race riots and more Gripper action.


1986:

the peak of the Zammo years, and the harrowing drug-use story line.

1989:

Probably the last golden year with characters like Gonch, Robbie, Trevor, Vince and Ziggy and not forgetting Bronson.



I know I left some other great seasons out, but the ones above do tend to stand out a little more, especially after going back and watching them again.



Least favourites, but still watchable:


1990:

I did like the introduction of Jacko's group and warmed to the first years as the series went along.


Downsides: well there were quite a few actually. Too many new characters were introduced and too many from the 1985-89 period were phased out(Gonch, Ziggy etc), so it almost seemed like the viewer was watching a completely different show.

The use of music scores during certain scenes came across rather cheesy and annoying at times. I'm glad they ditched this format in 1991.

1993:

Too much Fran and Maria taking up screen time. I must admit and maybe I'm alone here, but these have to be the most boring characters during what I would still class as a decent period in the series. And Nick was so damn annoying.

Only saving grace was Ray and his brother Kenny and Justine was pretty hot looking during this period and added something to the story. I also enjoyed the episode that takes place in the country, not sure why but it's a break from the norm I guess.


Ok, so that was a long rant and I'm just about to move on to 1994.