Behind the Scenes: Belladonna Cove | Season 2, Episode 9.1

Conner speaking to Judith, from the old episode 9.1.

More than a week ago, I recorded episode 9.1. When I was nearly done with the rough edit, I realised I didn’t like the household bio I had written, the recap section, and the fact that nothing much had happened. So, I scrapped the footage and decided to re-record the episode a few days later.

Firstly, what did happen in the deleted episode? Geoff went to work, Connor played a game of chess and learned Fire Prevention, Geoff came home with a promotion but immediately got a cold (I forgot that Connor could make Grandma’s Comfort Soup), Connor invited over Justin and Judith for pizza, Geoff relaxed in bed, and Connor got a cold as well. Then, the episode was done.

Geoff coughing up a lung.

See, Connor would have asked Judith the big question at the end of his round and Judith would have given her answer at the end of her round. I was interested in exploring Judith again in the Between the Seasons series - we would have explored her love life and her relationship with the other cops. But I felt we could explore her love life while she was living with Connor. Also, I honestly wasn’t sure what to do with Geoff and Connor, so moving her in immediately instead of waiting for far too long felt like the right thing to do.

For anyone curious, here’s the old biography:

“Geoff Rutherford’s from old money. Connor Weir isn’t. Geoff used his charms to succeed. Connor worked hard, day in, day out. They’re clear opposites in life, but they’ve bonded enough to tolerate each other as roommates - will they be able to find common ground in their love lives? 

Right now, the answer to that question is a resounding ‘no’. Geoff loves to love women, and Connor wants to be surrounded by kids and even grandkids. Even if they would end up supporting each other in love and romance, would their friendship last? 

But they’ll probably need each other soon since Geoff is focusing on upskilling himself - does he regret partying too hard and not making his parents proud while they were still alive? Also, Connor has had no luck finding his ideal partner. So far, the only women who had caught his eye is either gay (Judith Baker) or married (Ana Patel). Perhaps, these two opposites can help each other find what they want in life.”

The biography shows that they’re different. But finding common ground in their love lives? Needing each other, helping each other find what they want in life? While editing the first version of episode 9.1, I realised the biography didn't really make sense and that Connor and Geoff would be busy with their own thing, especially if I would try my best to go with the flow, focus on what they want. They may live together, but the only thing they have in common is their work and Justin, so their biography would quickly become meaningless.

Here’s the old recap narration:

“When Geoff wasn’t flirting with women, he was busy upskilling himself for his job. Connor only thought about having babies but focused most of his energy on getting a promotion. Geoff went on a date with Katy McGaw while Connor got close to his friend’s wife Ana Patel. Connor met Judith Baker after asking the Matchmaker for a blind date. Judith could have been the one, but she told him she was only attracted to women. Geoff got close to his colleague Chastity Gere - they went on a date, woohooed and then had a public woohoo. Jessica Peterson, Geoff noticed, cheered them on - Geoff quickly got her number and frequently called her up. Connor tried to find his ideal partner, but perhaps, just perhaps, Ana Patel was the one for him. Geoff, meanwhile, started spending more time with his nieces and nephew.”

My big problem with the recap section? There’s a lot of overlap between it and the biography. In the end, I decided to remove sentences that weren’t necessary and then tweaked the second last sentence.