Grange Hill: Andrew and Justin (TRIBUTE)
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- In the late 1970s, born was Grange Hill - a series that started off seemingly simple (though not without the radicalism of the ye olde uniform debate) would soon blossom into a progressive, hard-hitting, and forever remembered show that covered serious issues… something that had never been done for a programme of its genre.
However, looking back, it seems that the first of these little-covered issues began far closer to the beginning of the series, and is barely remembered nor celebrated today. This was, of course, the subtextual love story between Justin Bennett and Andrew Stanton, played tremendously by Robert Craig Morgan and Mark Eadie.
Justin was smart, weedy, posh, and bullied by the others, before meeting Andrew in the second series. Andrew appeared to be almost flawless - dabbling in singing, acting, football, fundraising, and also being top of the class in almost every subject, but he had problems of his own… namely, his home life. His parents were always rowing, and soon his father left, taking his sister too. Andrew found solace in Justin’s company and friendship, and the two became much closer than what most friends are.
Before denying this as “woke culture” ruining your childhood, consider two things. Firstly, that Grange Hill tackled all sorts of issues such as racism, and later, a different gay plot line (so, in your sense, perhaps it was woke all along), and secondly, consider rewatching these episodes with Justin and Andrew, because the subtext of their relationship is completely undeniable.
In any case, Phil Redmond knew what he was doing, but also knew that a storyline like this would never be approved for airing, and he did what he could. He knew that many of their age around Britain would be struggling in silence with their sexuality, and he expressed his empathy in the best way he could.
In my opinion, this storyline was beautifully conducted and as a result deserved some more recognition. Justin is well remembered, rightfully so, but Andrew - though a prominent character, and one of (if not) the first characters to be given a heavy story, which the show would become famous for doing - often fades into the background when the discussion of these early series commence. It is important to remember him, and remember this, which would pin point exactly when Grange Hill found its edge.
That's me and Mark. Good times, love the video xx.
Oh - brilliant! Never thought Justin himself would stumble upon this. You did a tremendous job in this role, though I’m sure those days must feel a lifetime ago now.
I have to ask-was the subtext here intentional? And if so, were you aware at the time? Or did you realise later.
Either way, bravo! Justin was an excellent addition to the crew.
Hi, thanks for the kind words. I loved your tribute video and great choice of song too.
I loved playing Justin, it was great to see how confident he became as the series.
It was great working with Mark, we became good friends off screen too.
It would of been interesting to see how Justin and Andrew's friendship would of developed as time went on, but sadly Mark left the series.
The writer's gave Justin a new friend, but it was never the same.
Again, loved your tribute.
Best wishes....Rob 😊
@@RobertCraig-Morgan I loved watching Grange Hill about this time when I first started at my fucking awful Dickensian grammar school. I knew I was gay at 11 but maybe cos I was having such an awful time at my school I totally missed the gay aspect of this story!
I had a similar thing in school too. Definitely some of the most golden, close, warm, funny,gentle and sunny days of my life. I'm so honoured that I experienced them...
@@stevengn7245 I had a great time at school with my mates. It was part of us all growing up. It was the teachers who were awful. They just regarded us as a nuisance.