There’s no more Mother and Son, but Denise Scott has found a new path to travel

Denise Scott, known for her role in the ABC's reboot of Mother and Son, has embarked on a new journey, both literally and metaphorically, with her participation in Origin Odyssey, a genealogy series hosted by comedian Shaun Micallef. The show marks a departure from her previous foray into historical exploration, which took place during her appearance on Who Do You Think You Are? in 2020, where she expressed little interest in tracing her ancestry. However, this time around, Scott chose to revisit her roots, traveling to Germany to uncover the story of her maternal lineage, a path previously left untouched due to personal reasons. Scott traveled to the medieval town of Goslar in Germany, where she met with Micallef, her former co-host on Vega FM. Despite their history of professional discord, the pair found common ground amidst the cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals of Goslar. Their shared experiences included sampling local cuisine, discussing the region’s rich history of silver mining, and engaging in lighthearted banter. For Scott, the trip represented not just a chance to explore her heritage but also an opportunity to reconnect with someone from her past. The second season of Origin Odyssey includes several notable figures, including Pia Miranda, Tony Armstrong, Kate Langbroek, and Matt Okine, who joined Scott on her journey. Okine, her co-star in the Mother and Son reboot, accompanied her to Ghana as part of the series. Scott reflected on the experience of reprising her role in the sitcom, acknowledging the mixed feelings surrounding its conclusion after two seasons. She noted the pressure of living up to the legacy of the original cast, particularly Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald, and admitted that even her oncologist was taken aback by her decision to take on such a project shortly after completing treatment for breast cancer. Filming Origin Odyssey occurred just a year after Scott's cancer treatment, a period marked by uncertainty regarding her physical ability to handle the demanding schedule. The production required rapid travel, with participants flying to locations such as Frankfurt and immediately beginning filming upon arrival. Despite these challenges, Scott felt a sense of ease working alongside Micallef, whom she respects deeply. Their conversations often revolved around her health, with Micallef showing genuine empathy and interest in her well-being. In Goslar, Scott uncovered the story of her maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Carl Boch, a miner who migrated to Australia. This discovery prompted her to reconsider her earlier characterization of her late mother, Margaret, whose life she once viewed as unremarkable. A recent diagnosis with cancer led Scott to reflect on the scale of her own life, realizing that it was far smaller than she had previously believed. This introspection extended to her mother, whose life she had once criticized for being too ordinary. Now, however, she sees parallels between their lives, recognizing that both had found contentment in simpler pleasures. Scott is currently touring with her comedy show Tickety Boo, drawing on her experiences from the past few years. Her journey through Origin Odyssey has not only deepened her understanding of her family history but also reshaped her perspective on her own life and the legacy of her mother. As Origin Odyssey prepares for its return on Tuesday, August 18, viewers can expect to witness further explorations into the lives of individuals seeking to understand their roots through the lens of humor and storytelling.