Some fans had been unhappy at the lack of continuity in the episode selection of volumes I and II, with many stand alone episodes leaving the viewer without the context of the storylines. In volume III we get to see episodes that came either before or immediately after some episodes from the first two volumes (such as David and Barbara's engagement and the motel fire). Of course that means you need to have all three volumes to follow the thread of certain plots - but I imagine that is a given for any loyal Crossroads fan anyway!

With such a long wait for this DVD release, and with many episodes no longer in existence, it is inevitable that any compilation won't please everybody. But there is enough here for a satisfying trip down memory lane. Highlights include an episode from the poisoning of Meg storyline and Adam Chance's first appearance. As he says hello and shakes hands with Jill you can't help reflecting that neither the characters nor the actors who played them could have known what a double act in soap history they would become.

The DVD extras are particularly good on this volume - including a great Noele Gordon interview where she valiantly defends the show from some rather snobbish Fleet St critics! The first 3,000 copies sold also contain a bonus DVD with a compilation episode of David Hunter's problems with a young Malay girl who attacks him with a doctor's scalpel....

Robin Byron

EPISODE LISTINGS

Episode 498 from November 1966
Bill is dissuaded from marrying Marilyn, which is what she wants. Sandy worries about his best man speech. A race to save Angela's sight is on.

Episode 1192 from November 1969
Archie comes to an arrangement with Diane. Meg is confined to bed after being taken ill at Tessa's wedding. Is her illness all it seems to be?

Episode 1304 from May 1970
Amy, Diane and Mr Lovejoy consider the prospect of winning the pools. George Baxter returns unexpectedly with consequences for Claire Thomas.

Episode 1758 from August 1972
Meg still grieves over Sandy's accident and the ward sister asks David for help. Vince tries to reconcile with his father. Tish accepts Ted's proposal.

Episode 3051 from November 1978
Meg confronts the financial implications of Hugh's death. Benny has ambitions to become a car mechanic.

Episode 3069 from December 1978
Helen decides to leave the motel and her husband. David reads the lesson at the Christmas service. Jill, David, Tish, Ted and Adam join Meg for Christmas lunch.

Episode 3140 from April 1979
Diane fends off Chris Hunter's advances as their marriage-of-convenience reaches its conclusion. Linda Welch causes trouble at the garage. Benny explains himself to Doris.

Episode 3254 from January 1980
Jill needs money and looks for work. Lloyd Munro attempts to reunite Charles and Rosemary. David proposes to Barbara.

Episode 3295 from April 1980
The morning after David and Barbara's wedding sees Adam call off his own to Miranda Pollard which in turn jeopardises his business plans. Benny dispenses advice on fruit and veg.

Episode 3359 from September 1980
Archie comes in conflict with Shughie when he becomes Night Porter. Barbara agrees to talk to Alison about marrying Benny. Arthur Brownlow frets about Glenda's first date with Kevin Banks. Shughie vandalises the kitchen.

Episode 3531 from November 1981
The morning after the motel fire and the search for Meg continues. Barbara changes her mind about leaving David.

Episode 3533 from November 1981
The police suspect Adam of involvement with the motel fire. An unexpected phonecall sets Jill off on a trip to Southampton.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Format V: Noele Gordon interview
Original 1960s promotional trailers
Viewpoint: Reg Watson at Crossroads Rehearsals
Noele Gordon interview from 1972
Crossroads cast interviewed at 3000th edition party
Three ATV News Features on Meg leaving Crossroads in 1981

While stock last - a limited edition third disc:

Unearthed from the archives, this compilation show features four otherwise-missing episodes from 1976.

Two decades after being involved in the massacre of innocent civilians in Malaya whilst on National Service, David Hunter’s past catches up with him when he is stalked by the sole survivor... A strange man turns up and offers Benny a lot of money. Miss Diane is concerned.

Crossroads Volume III
Network DVD release
Released: 26th February 2007
RRP: £24.99
Total running time: 240 minutes (+ extras)
Black & white and colour