Bright Eyes

I think with a good director Harry Reid could do great work, but this show doesn't seem to have those anymore if this episode is any indication. Horrible acting all across the board. One of those, I hope no one catches me watching this embarrassing drivel, episodes. At least incoming producer Sean O'Connor, more than Kate Oates (though I've loved a lot of her work) and especially Iain McLeod, has me excited for the future. Let's just hope DTC doesn't completely circle the drain before he's finally through. Kathy being a complete wet rag enrages me more than all the consistent hatred I have for Shirley, Phil, Mick, and whoever else. This hapless rut she's in needs to end, immediately. I also hate that everyone is just happy to let Ben live a lie with Abby. People should be at wits end with his constant denial. Someone should be so angry about it that they tell Ben it's his fault that Abby miscarried because he's been stringing her along this whole time. Someone should try and get Abby to realize she's depressed and deluded. This story is just too offensive and ridiculous. It all makes me want to punch a wall.

I completely agree with you. Ziggy's death was the strangest thing. Comparing it to everything they did for Freddie shortly before, when the audience knew he wasn't dead the whole time, it was almost like the show couldn't wait to get rid of him. Of course, it also was in addition to ruining Cameron, who was one of the great new additions. I'll always be pissed about how they tarnished his character practically overnight. And how they threw away Lockie, too. And Phoebe. I'd say Dylan too, but I truly feel like the show really was surprised when he bolted so I give them some leeway there. Rachel being killed off is another horrendous choice. I genuinely enjoy all the Nightingales, and she could have easily fit into the fabric of the show since they said she was teacher. Have her, John Paul, and Nancy all become good mates. I still seethe at the destruction they did to the John Paul/Nancy friendship. And now Nancy or John Paul don't have any real friends at all ... but that has always been Kirkwood's biggest failure, genuine friendships, which should be the foundation of Hollyoaks. As happy as I am that Holly is being treated as the leading character she should be, with Amanda Clapham being a fantastic actress, it's a shame they had to add her to the suffocating list of killers on the show. Still, sometimes I try and picture Wallis Day (the previous Holly) in these strong dramatic stories, and I laugh. We really got lucky on that score. Plus, Kirkwood's love of Cindy, the only producer who has made her a prominent, multi-layered character since she returned by his pen, is another huge plus for him. Liam Donovan, the new playboy character, is not even remotely attractive. Tegan and Celine going from complete studs like Ziggy and Cameron to this wankstain is the biggest come down I've ever seen. Of course, he can't act worth a lick either. The serial killer story since the reveal has dragged a bit at times, but I'm still really enjoying it. With Lindsey gone in a few weeks time, I can't wait for the outcome. We also have the great double cancer/love story with Alfie/Jade, and the Lovedays have been a strong presence since their arrival. So just like the last few years, a few strong bits, a few bad bits, mixed with Kirkwood's constant maddening approach to things. I enjoyed 2015 much more than EastEnders and Corrie so I think 2016 will hopefully be at least as good, with the usual complaints along the way.

Wow, I had no idea Chris had triplets out there somewhere. Here I thought that Finn would be some brother of Drew's that he kept quiet. I was focusing on the wrong cad, I suppose. Finn does seem like an exciting character to have on canvas though. I already like him, and it doesn't hurt to look at him either. Would you want a Carrie return?

Was that Frazer Hines having a tantrum?

They're really throwing everything they can at poor Kylie these days. It's amazing how far she's come. The show does heroines so well. I never feel like any if them are especially weak at all. Victoria "we-ing" with Mo about Jack had my blood boiling. Margaret, where are thou? The day she arrives, those screams you hear will be mine.

According to the latest spoilers, after 6 months, Frankie will finally return to our screens in a fortnight's time. I actually was pretty surprised on how she returns, too. It'll be good to have her back.

I haven't checked anywhere else to see what others think, but am I the only one that became offended when Stacey compared her mental illnesses to Kyle being transgendered? "I guess we're both messed up." That's just great. Stacey was at her level worst in the whole episode. Someone really needs to batter her.

I'm really enjoying Freddie Griffiths as well. Hopefully, they'll find a way to keep him around once Kylie exits. He's the type of man who Gail should be with. Not Eeyore. The conversation on WalfordWeb about how low she's been brought down over the years was educational for me and then infuriating. I watched a clip of her rowing with Ivy Tilsley, and it was electric. I haven't seen Gail like that in I don't know how long. I'm so glad you critiqued ugly Anna. I hate her so immensely and the actress is completely unsympathetic. On the same token, I never understood why you disliked Eileen before. She was never a favourite per say, but she never bothered me. I get it, she's a complete moron. A woman whose misery is based on her own stupidity. Instead of killing off a character with potential (Tony), a useless death if ever there was one. Jason's exit should involve Eileen's death at the hands of Phelan, somehow. Jason's ignorance finally catching up to him in a way that would shame him into leaving the street. Sean would go the way of the dodo bird, leaving Todd to need some new flatmates in Zeedan, Gary, and Luke. Then once Todd finally gets a new love interest, maybe the show could explore a story about his father. I also wish Corrie would stop being so safe and, like the other soaps have done, end up having Nick forgive Carla for her transgression and leave town with her in a surprise exit. If only so the show can't go down the predictable and overdone route of Leanne reuniting with him. As for this horrible slavery plot. It's classic Stuart Blackburn. A story that starts, stops, never to be mentioned again. In other words, not much of a story at all.

Chas is only watchable when she's an entity all her own. Bog her down with her family, and she disappears into nothing. It's small moments like when she advised Leyla to befriend Carly that she has potential behind The Woolpack.

I have to say, Lisa Hammond was impressive tonight. That performance came out of nowhere and proved, that if given the chance, she could have staying power once the inevitable exits of Claudette and Vincent are behind her.

Kassius Nelson is destined for great things. She is constantly knocking it out of the park with her fantastic performances. It sounds macabre to say, but this teenage cancer love story is the best part of the show at the minute. It certainly picked up the reigns from Cleo's grooming plot at just the right time. I really hope I was hasty in fearing that John Paul would be paired with Scott. It seems he was happy to have dodged a bullet. Here's hoping he and James have chemistry when they eventually meet. I love that James was attracted to Scott initially, until he opened his mouth and soon became horrified at the thought. Since Emily Gascoyne wrote this episode, I wonder if the show would overcome Kirkwood's limitations if she were in charge and not just a series producer. It would at least up the chances of Chris Fountain returning.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. He was one of my favourites on Peyton Place. Him and Barbara Parkins lit up the screen together. At least I can happily say I was able to watch PP from beginning to end on YouTube awhile back. I don't know if the show is still available there, but if it is I highly urge everyone to check it out. Rest in Peace to a truly handsome, charismatic, and magnetic performer. This obituary states he passed away on March 5, 2016. http://www.rep-am.com/Obituaries/944900.txt

Random query: Does anyone else think it's really strange that Fiz has never changed Hope's name from Stape, considering John was a serial killer?

I don't mind the twist at all. It's all believable enough. Like the actress playing Sally pointed out, once the episode that showed her having a picture of John Paul in her desk aired, this outcome was obvious. But all the potential of the story is ruined when you blaspheme my retinas pairing John Paul with that albatross named Scott. It seriously pains every part of me.

I didn't mind Gordon pulling a desperate stunt like he did, but I agree with you about the shrieking. Belle being there to have a randomly forced line or two was something out of Corrie. I wish they would give Charity a true friendship with someone. A relationship that isn't toxic in some way. Someone unexpected like Sandy could be gold. Or maybe I just really love Sandy.

Looks like Emmerdale is going to be the soap to miss in 2016. Almost everything out of McLeod's mouth fills me with dread.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/coronation-street/news/a786735/coronation-street-is-killing-off-a-character-but-itll-be-off-screen/ A horribly short sighted decision.

Jorgie Porter. Theresa could be a mess of a character, but when correctly written for was great entertainment. She was one of the people holding the show on her shoulders during the Allan/Marquess/Phillips/Smithwick merry go round. Shooting Calvin was the best thing she ever did. A true blessing that catapulted her to lead status, whose place on the canvas Kirkwood replaced with Sinead, who he quickly ruined beyond belief. Theresa hasn't recovered her status on the show since, sadly. I only wish we could have seen her and Warren taken further. They had bucket loads of chemistry together. That elevator stunt is one of my favourites the show has done. It also makes me miss Neil Toon, who was written out too hastily as Kyle Ryder, who Porter also had a lot of chemistry with. I also believe it was a missed opportunity to reference her and Ste's short relationship during everything that happened with him and John Paul. But Kirkwood only ever does anything for plot, so nuances aren't allowed. Even with the producer shake ups, the show was still grounded in numerous friendships, which have all been viscerally abolished now. Mitzeee was Theresa's last true friend, and she hasn't had a meaningful relationship since. Even after that horrible introduction plot with Tony, she has managed to become a favourite, because Jorgie Porter has always been able to make her likeable, rootable, and given her depth beyond the blonde bimbo trope. However, her soliloquy to Myra about no one giving her a chance because of what they believe her to be felt so unearned. And even though I hated how much time Kirkwood wasted Dodger away from Texas, with women he had no chemistry with, like Theresa, and especially Maxine, Theresa's last great scene is probably when she threatened to shoot Dodger after Texas died. That she was still hung up on him when she returned from prison, with an unnecessary pregnancy to boot, was a travesty. Lastly, adding to my woe about the lack of friendships on this show, it would have been a nice throwback if Theresa could have left because Anita helped her get a job somewhere. A harking back to her beginning with the first friend she made in the village. On that note, I was always confused as to why she never worked at the Roscoe's garage, when she is a qualified mechanic. Another missed opportunity for friendships to be mined.

Since Hilary brought it to the fore ...

What is news that isn't at all upsetting, Alex?

That trailer reminded me that last year I saw a great film, Force Majeure, that starred Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantbane). It took me awhile when watching the film to place where I had previously seen him. When it clicked, it was so strange seeing him in street clothes, and looking pretty hot as a result. Watching the upcoming season and contrasting both images of him is going to be strange, nonetheless. Still, go watch the film everyone.

Was Rachel around for the 2001 story. Was she CEO yet? I know that's one of the years she returned.

With all that is happening with Nicole, has this show ever had a nurses strike story? It's so funny to me that petite Rachel really is such a force to be reckoned with. When Nicole was tearing into her, I was scared on her behalf. Kerry Dewing has been a phenomenal job with this breast cancer gene story. She has come such a long way, our Kylie has.