Your Reviews - Series Five
Episode 5.1
I really enjoyed the start of series 5. I teach in a secondary school and this is the first time I felt that the secondary school life was realistically represented. The inter-staff relationships reminded me just how crappy it can to be a teacher. Great to see Grantly back for another series to share his pearls of wisdom on the modern education system... and finally WR has a science department, Hooray!
Dr Watson, Cambridge
Just when I thought Waterloo Road couldn't get any better, it did! I love the new characters, especially Lindsey, she is a great actress and I'm hoping to see a lot more of her. I see some of the old cast aren't in Waterloo Road at the moment, but I would love to see a few of them back on screen e.g. Chlo, Janeece etc. Thanks to everyone involved in WR for making such it an enjoyable show to watch!
Abbie, London
From the teachers to the students; Waterloo Road delves deep into the secrets and lies that haunt the school corridors with a fine dignity. Season 5 arrives just as hard-felt and active as ever as everyone's favourite pupils must now share their lockers with the likes of the "posh" students from John Fosters. Like a set of cats amongst the pigeons the two forms of different classes go head-to-head in as much nail-biting fashion as could be expected from Waterloo Road and that's not just the students... the teachers aren't fairing up too well either, with the arrival of Max Tyler, Jo Lipsett, Ruby Fry and Helen Hopewell things are starting to change... and whichever side you take... they're both for the greater good of the school.
The arrival of Max Tyler puts a strain on Rachel Mason's role as Head mistress as he begins to over ride her at every possible chance he gets. What’s more, the Waterloo Road pupils cannot stand him either, his medieval methods cause much anger and frustration around the school grounds. Not to mention the fun over at the French Department, will Steph ever get on with Jo? It seems not, as the new Head of Department seems to be tightening the rope on the learning standards of the students.
Waterloo Road has displayed a perfect example of what happens with a variety of different classes are mixed. From the snobbish to the scruffish; the reaction from each part of the gangs are a perfect example of how Society has been separated through the different cultures and backgrounds. Merging two schools with such a different take on how things are done is a poor idea that will sure as hell cause plenty of upset, arguments, fights, tantrums, manipulation and downright cruelty... but this is Waterloo Road... and I love every second of it. Perfect opening to the series and I look forward to more.
Nathan, Appley Bridge
I loved the start to the new series. The problems with the two schools merging were entertaining and there are some good new characters like nasty Max Tyler. I hope Rachel manages to get rid of him in the end! The actor that plays him is excellent. I'm a bit disappointed that some people have left, especially Janeece because she was my fave character of all time. But most of fave characters are still there so it’s not too bad, I can still drool over Bolton!. If he left I really would be devastated! I think series 5 is going to be just as great as the previous 4. Waterloo road is one of my favourite shows ever and I hope the high standard of acting and gripping storylines continue.
Lynz, Shetland
I don’t know if I want to watch Waterloo Road anymore... The new series is too much... I mean it’s been one episode and already there’s been murder, assault, bullying and discrimination. Usually W.R is full of these yes, but for the first episode I think it was too much. Oh and is it just me or don’t you all think Eddie Lawson would actually be able to make the School work with the merger? Max Tyler will destroy the School, which has proven indestructible to many things in the past I will give the new series a chance but I’m not sure if all these new characters are going to work. I mean the old 'new' characters such as the Kellys just fit in straight away even with the havoc they caused.
Kitty, Croydon
OMG. I love Waterloo road and am happy its back, although it would have been nice to see Rachel get together with Eddie Lawson in the last episode, she deserved some happiness. The new deputy head is an arrogant sod and I hope that Rachel stands up to him in the end.
Emma, Lincolnshire
Excellent as always - with Shed you can never be disappointed - love the new characters and storylines you can see are brewing!
Scott, Retford
I've been looking forward to Waterloo Road Series 5 for ages and I’ve got to say it didn't disappoint me at all! I think the tension between John Foster ex-students and Waterloo Road students is an excellent storyline and will carry on for ages. Also the tension between the teachers is very interesting to watch! Lindsey seems to be a very interesting character and one to watch later on with how she copes with her father's death and her early feud with Michaela! I'm really excited about next week :) Well done!
Emily, Banstead
Waterloo Road - one of my faves on TV... As a teacher is refreshing to come across writers who are nearly accurate. Rachel is an amazing character and feel that it's because of her realistic character, it's kept the show flowing. The writers have got her character spot on! I worry that if her character is demoted by a sleazy one (Max) the show won’t be nearly as good, and I for one will stop watching. SORT IT OUT AND MAKE SURE RACHEL STAYS IN CONTROL OF WATERLOO ROAD!
Jake, Leeds
WOW I wasn’t expecting that. I can’t believe that Lindsey smacked Michaela in the face! A bit creepy when they brought their dad out of the house though. My favourite bit was when the big fight erupted. KEEP IT ALL UP WATERLOO ROAD xxxxxxx!
Abbz, Newcastle
Would just like to say how much I enjoyed the first episode of Series 5 this week. So much happened in just one episode, but every detail was either intriguing, clever or absolutely hilarious. I think Tom Chambers is a superb actor to have on the cast, and I am happy to not only see new faces but also to see recognisable ones. I really do admire the screenwriters and thoroughly hope they don't stop writing these gripping storylines. I'd love to meet these people! Thanks again, and also I must add how much I love the extremely long series – they get me through all my work and the episodes are in the middle of the school week!
Becca, SE London
A little frustrating how tens of thousands of 2nd and 3rd generation South Asian Muslims have been living in Rochdale and surrounding areas for over 40 years and who have children in the secondary schools. Yet they are nowhere to be seen on British television, what's the matter with you producers can't you find any Asian actors from the North or are screenwriters living in cloud cuckoo land?
Mohammad, Leeds
Although I am glad that WR is back for a fifth series, I'm unhappy that Eddie Lawson has left. I think he was a brilliant character in the drama. Let’s just see how the story unfolds in this series.
Khas, Preston
Having just seen the first episode of Series 5 which was aired at 9pm on Wednesday 28th October 20009, I would like to congratulate the program's writers on their well thought-out plot lines, and to all the actors involved in this episode, it was well worth the wait for the new series to begin and lived up to my expectations – well done everyone who contributed in the making of such a great program which not only continued from the last episode of the Series 4 but introduced some new characters both as staff members and pupils – well done all.
Pete, Rochdale
Wow – what a start! I absolutely love the new plotline and the amount the characters have to adapt in the new school setting. Rachel looks like she has got her nose fully dislocated instead of merely put out of joint. It’s going to be a fiery one!!!
Christine, Northern Ireland
I loved the first episode of series 5 it was amazing, shame I cant watch it again on BBC iPlayer because I live in Ireland now. I have followed Waterloo Road from the beginning and haven’t missed an episode since. One of the best English dramas I have ever watched. Can’t wait until next Wednesday :) I’m still gutted that Maxine died last series because she was one of my fave characters, but can’t wait to see what might happen between Steph Haydock and her new head of department.
Hayley, County Longford, Ireland
Good old Waterloo Road is back! Yay! It's a good idea to mix John Fosters with Waterloo Road because John Fosters can try (and fail!) to make Waterloo Road more civilised! I also think it’s sad we won’t see the likes of Marley , Flick , Chlo , Donte and many more this series:( Just one thing left to say... looks like Phillip's got a girlfriend!
Rebecca, Audenshaw
This still remains the best drama about school and school life. Most programs out there of a similar genre focus too much on teacher’s lives and not so much of the pupils. We’ve got some of the best young British stars coming up in this show. it’s just the best viewing at 8, hands down!! One thing though, I still want to see Jack Rimmer come back!
James, Maidstone
Just watched the show and I thought it was an amazing first episode! Tom Chambers is such a brilliant actor and has well and truly achieved the villain status, Max is most definitely evil. Waterloo Road has seen evil before such as Roger Aspinall but now Max is there all hell's broken loose!! Eva Pope's scenes were also fantastic this episode she's still impressing us! It's great to see how Rachel is struggling without Eddie to back her up and look after her which is slightly sad, I hated the scene where Max slammed Rachel's office door in her face. Also the acting from Jenna Louise Coleman (Lindsay) and Shannon Flynn (Emily) was amazing, I loved their scenes together! Series 5 is certainly going to be a great series but I'm not convinced it'll be the best.
Eleanor, Worcestershire
Great start back to waterloo road. Major drama as usual. I love Michaela White but it seems she will have competition with new girl Lindsey.
Rachel, Co. Kildare
Waterloo Road is back, and with a HUGE bang! So many fights which kept me entertained. I feel so sorry for Emily and Lindsey. Nice to see Philip with a girl who likes the same things as him, maybe they'll become an item! The whole thing with Rachel and the new head had me angry. Rachel is such a great person, but the new head is a snob! Looking forward to next week’s episode!
Georgia, England
It is very different. It isn't bad but I don't get the same vibe from this series as that I've had from previous series. Tom Chambers is a hot addition to the cast though, even if his character is the world's greatest wally.
Rachel, Cheltenham
I only started watching Waterloo Road in series 4 but I got so hooked I had to go out and buy the first 3 series on DVD! So glad it's back for series 5 although I'm really going to miss Chlo and Donte as they were my favourite characters. I think they should be in this series as we never really got to see much of them as parents to baby Izzie and I absolutely loved that storyline in series 4! Waterloo Road rules!
Sophie, Newcastle
Great to see Waterloo Road return. Interesting 1st episode, new head has muscled in over Rachel Mason and a he's love rat too... new cast all good, a lot of friction between the two schools merging. Shame we've lost Eddie Lawson though... can't wait to see how the story lines develop in this series
Scott, Suffolk
Absolutely loved the first episode. Hated how Max was totally undermining Rachel though and there was no mention of Eddie, is she completely over "the love of her life" in six weeks? Felt so sorry for Lindsey and her sister and can't wait to see how Kim and Max get on in the future. Also love the relationship between Steph and Jo, could be a very interesting storyline. Can’t wait for the next episode.
Ellie, Scotland
Well, the first episode of series 5 was amazing! I have watched all of the Waterloo Road series' and have loved every one, being left ridiculously excited at the end of each to find out more and when the next series is on. I must say I certainly haven’t been disappointed this time. With characters like Jo Lipsett that are somewhat controversial I cannot wait for the next 19 episodes in store. Brilliant!
Emma, Redditch
Episode 5.1, what is going on?? As if Rachel would be left helpless against Max, having herself been parachuted in as a super-head at one point. I like the ideas in the episode to introduce new characters, but seriously, a domineering 'executive head' who never spends any time at other schools and is allowed to get away with it? Pull the other one.
Tom, London
I really enjoyed the first episode it was so brilliant. I am missing Flick, Marley, Chlo and Donte but I am really loving the new characters in it. I can't wait for next week to see what happens, it’s a great show and hope it goes on forever.
Hannah, Birmingham
Watched this last night. Good to see Waterloo Road back. I have a feeling the fights were taken a bit too far, and also that moron of a bureaucrat is going to cause more trouble for Rachel and the school than they deserve. As usual, the people will be too stupid to realise it for a while yet. Great show, but we NEED some happy scenes.
Jason, Thurrock
I like the fact that a few different storylines are going on at once this season. I love the new teachers especially the food techie – she's so funny and the French one – she'll make Steph work – oh no! I can completely imagine the two schools merging so badly and I love to see the teachers acting as childishly as the students. I’m also happy that things are good between Rose and Tom, they're so cute!
Ellen, Newcastle