DRW50

I don't see why they can't get rid of Jack eventually. He's dead weight. Some fans may be upset but I don't think his presence alone affects ratings that much. I don't believe that the problem with the Jacksons/Brannings is there are too many of them, it's that they don't know how to write for them as a family. They were far more interesting in those few months this year when they were written as a family unit than they were in 2007-2009, rarely interacting. Like the Fowlers and the Beales, who drove a ton of story in the 80s to the early 90s, all intertwined through family ties. The other problem is that the way the show is structured now, so many characters are pointless. The show does not believe in ever having characters change. You can write out just about anyone and fans would not notice because Santer and Treadwell-Collins have spent years making the characters into props and chess pieces. When Bianca left the show a decade ago she was on her way to become a fashion student. They regressed her as they regressed every other character they brought back. But that doesn't have to be permanent. I don't think Ricky/Bianca has to be permanent either. Patsy Palmer herself spoke to the press saying she did not want a Ricky/Bianca reunion. They have both cheated on each other and I won't be surprised if it happens again, because Bianca is a shrew, which annoys Ricky, and I don't think Bianca has ever loved Ricky. They could make her a fashion designer again. They could get her a job somewhere important and have that affect her family life. They could kill off one of her kids. What if Whitney is killed while on the run with Billie? What if Morgan is killed because of Billie? I love Carol, but I agree that as she is now, she has no real purpose on the show. I think that could change, if the show makes the effort. Carol has plenty of ties to a lot of the show's history and could be used to drive story for Pat, or they could tie her into new characters. They could bring back Alan. They could have David Wicks return, with a recast. They could have her interact with people already on the show that she might have interesting relationships with if they're explored. Will the show bother? I don't know. Lindsey is only on contract for a year and they may just be counting down until she's gone. I hope they will make an effort though because Lindsey is one of the best actresses EVER on Eastenders and if they can write for such talents as Rita Symons, surely they can write for Lindsey.

Thanks so much for letting us know about these classic scenes and characters. This is just priceless, these are real memories, not something which has been done and dusted in various soap summary books. The way you describe Secret Storm sounds very complex and yet also very easy for a viewer to get into, as it sounds like they took pains to make the characters relateable, even with the expensive hair and the wardrobe. The stuff about Marjorie Gateson and her maid, and then the unbalanced woman Brooke, I can see all that in my mind. Did you see Amy as an important part of the show? I know that her struggles, like having a child with an older man, took up a lot of story time. Were you still watching when they began killing off or writing out most of the Ames family? You might be interested in this, it's a few episodes, one from 1960 and one from 1955. http://www.archive.org/details/Secret_1960 http://www.archive.org/details/TheSecretStorm

Brent, you may have already seen these on Youtube, but here are some Secret Storm promos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbDqlcHx0jY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukS5uoXD4VU This one mentions the story you mentioned, with Belle's daughter drowning.

I didn't like Archie very much either. I did like that he got the "takes one last look back" exit, because that's one of my favorite exits from a TV show. I cannot stand Cheryl, ugh. She's such a pushy loudmouth. The McQueen drama continues to carry the show, but I did enjoy the Rhys/Gilly scenes. I thought I'd read that the show had moved away from their friendship. Had they? Either way, I'm glad they're still friends. And the Steph/Gilly moment was sweet, if short-lived. I'm still a bit weirded out seeing anyone besides the Osbornes living in that place.

I'm only speaking for myself, but I would LOVE to hear more about Secret Storm. This being a show which is not contemporary makes me more interested, because that means the show exists more in the memory and your memories help create memories for others who never saw the show. I also feel that the original theme of Secret Storm, the Ames family and their struggles to come to grips with the mother's death, the schemes of her sister, etc. is something which is very brave. And a lot of the stuff which soaps covered back then is probably more fitting to modern times than most of what you get on today's soaps, which is brain dead 20 year olds.

I was listening to some of my favorite Carole King songs, she recorded them about 10 years ago. The one I liked the most, You Will Find Me There, doesn't seem to be on Youtube, but this is another.

I go back and forth on Lucy but I thought she was fun today. I also loved her 80s-inspired outfit, that big belt and all. What fun to see Phil trashed as the worthless father he is. It's like Santa is dropping by Eastenders just for me I know it won't last but this has been a long time coming. He has destroyed his son. That scene where Ben panicked and began turning into a real monster once he knew Phil might hear him was brilliant, and Charlie Jones was very good. And Ian, who is so often written as being inferior to Phil, got to really show Phil just how he has screwed up. That last scene was so, so good. "This isn't all my fault." "Actually, it is." I liked Shirley's side of the Minty convo but that ogre going on about Sam yet again, no thanks. In Adam's first months on the show he genuinely cared for Libby but now he just seems to sneer at her and say insulting, sexist comments. I have never liked this character but I don't know if they had to make him so totally scummy on his way out. The Lucas stuff didn't work for me, nor did Libby in hysterics. Lucas is better at menace than he is at the tantrums. Someone said that his "Where are you?" reminded them of British cuisine queen Delia Smith:

At least Santer left Kirkwood with the opportunity to go nowhere but up...

What is the name of the house? Then I might remember the history. Right now I'm just drooling over Declan... I was right there with you about Gennie and Aaron. I know that's how he would see Gennie but I felt just awful for her. She really does care. At least she was actually included in the story. She's barely been involved. Seeing her more with Shadrach and Chas and now Aaron I hope it's a sign for the future. The woman who plays Gennie is so underrated. She was the one who really got to me in all that when Jamie broke up with her and left town. Her cries and screams as he left just gutted me. Cain and Ryan teasing Aaron was such fun but with an edge, as Aaron is starting to regret his choices (like when Ryan teased him about being violent). I like the Ryan/Aaron relationship almost as much as the sweet Aaron/Adam. How good were those scenes, especially when Aaron ran his hand down Adam's cheek. And Jackson's anger at Aaron, which was so strong, and really seemed to rattle Aaron. I did kind of roll my eyes at the "kiss" between Jackson and his friend -- that was barely a peck on the cheek. Something tells me that anyone who is looking forward to some hot moments between Aaron and any men are going to be disappointed. Oh no it is good news, I was just talking about in relation to what we were speculating on. So what do you think of her?

I guess this is the big change. It's bigger for people in the UK I guess. Pauline Quirke, who was apparently on a very popular sitcom over there, is joining the show, she'll be playing Jackson's mother. http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/s12/emmerdale/news/a222433/pauline-quirke-joins-emmerdale.html I do wonder if people may eventually stop paying attention to the big news teasers when it actually does turn out to be huge news.

The Lib Dems seem to be a mess of a party. It doesn't help that apparently some of their most highly prized members unexpectedly lost -- I think one was named Evan Harris.

I won't be surprised if that happens before too long, although the show gets better ratings than most of their lineup, in some fairly weak timeslots. Then again if the show is bringing in new people I guess they may not be cutting down. I guess we'll see if this is some web show. Out of control pensioners crashing in an empty Home Farm...

I forgot about the web based thing. That would make sense. Are you ready for the THEY'RE RIPPING OFF EASTENDERS!!! cries... I thought I read something from earlier this year which brought up the new set thing. I hope that's still happening, otherwise I would wonder if ITV are not sure about the show. They've already canceled so many of their long-running shows...

Are they adding a new family, or a ton of new characters? I don't know if they need another new family. Even though Blyth said that he regretted how the new families were introduced, I think the show did a wonderful job last year of bringing them in (aside from the poor casting for Barton daughters, and the lack of story for Ryan and Faye). There may not be enough room for more new characters. Or is this about them moving to a new set? Aren't they supposed to be doing that? Could that have to do with the move to HD? Surely moving to a new set would mean HD? The whole early 2008 thing reminds me of the rumors at that time that Emmerdale was supposed to have a police-based spinoff. There was a big buildup of cop characters and a new station set at that time.

I know I am being mean but for someone who was cast as a "hunk," I am not sure I can remember more guys being less attractive than Ben Price. I just cannot stand looking at his face. Not that I have a lot of pity for the Platts (although this story has done David a service), but Tina's continued blind spot about her father does her few favors. Neither do the heavy undertones that Jason just doesn't get her while Graeme does. Yes, the guy who treats her like a broken china doll is her salvation. The best scene was Eileen and Lloyd arguing and hitting each other with rolled up newspaper.

Well, his brother Gus would be high on the list. Callum Monks Billie Jackson Minty Peterson If his character doesn't manage to get to even one dimension and if the Masoods keep being damaged, Syed would be another. Vicki Fowler Mary and Conor Flaherty Kevin Wicks I'm sure there are a lot of others from 2004-2006 I haven't seen. Those from 2003 I have seen don't bother me as much as they bother a lot of other people (the cat lady, the Ferrieras), although Ronnie and Tariq are annoying.

I was watching an episode from late 2005 and this Juley Smith is so awful. The actor is weak and he is also very odd looking -- he looks like Scatman Crothers, or the guy who ran the hangout on A Different World. That's fine for them but he was supposed to be hot enough to tempt a gangster's daughter.

I don't know if it's true or not but there's a rumor that

I guess Leon also wanted Peter to put Leon beating the crap out of him behind them.

I have never liked Michelle Ryan, so I would be fine with Zoe being recast. I do think that she's just answering questions that are put on her, so I don't mind her comments so much. There was a very negative reaction to this episode at various forums but I didn't think it was that bad. The show has been uneven for ages, and was even during the now halycon period of "let's have various characters stare at each other and get arrested every ten minutes and pass that off as a 'murder mystery'". Aside from the, as you mentioned, bizarre stuff with Abi, I thought the episode was fairly good. I do wish they wouldn't have Lucas go into preacher speak so much because it kind of comes across more like the writers picking passages out of the Bible than Lucas actually having religious fervor. It was nice to hear them mention Nigel again. He was one of my favorite EE characters, he was so much fun yet his heart was in the right place. He was what they seemed to want Heather to be. The Stacey/Ryan scenes were very good. Janine quoting the Bible to Lucas was amusing, especially when she looked up at the sky after he walked away. They showed a lot more of Libby than they usually do, they were making a real effort with her, for a change. I'm not a big fan of that character but I like her as the voice of reason in the family (and I wish they could give her something beyond those hippie blouses with her breasts bouncing around). I also really liked the scene where Chelsea had to record a message for Jordan. I skipped all the teen stuff, did you think it was any good? I'm still trying to figure out when Peter and Leon became friends.

It seemed like they made Kelly a vixen when Adele Silva began to get into her older teens and that carried on when she returned in 2005, although I think the earlier Kelly was a bit less comical than the 2005-2007 Kelly. I guess by the time she got together with Jimmy she was supposed to be softer. Anita Turner had a lot of highs and lows. I didn't like her comedy stuff, mostly what was related to Gennie, but I loved the cot death and baby switch stories, and Shane's murder, and the wife-beating story with Andy and Jo was also quite good. I also liked the relationship between Matthew and Anna, even if the plans for that seemed to change significantly (Anna was brought in as a "superbitch" but almost never acted bitchy her entire time on the show, and she seemed to be planned for Carl, then suddenly they put her with Matthew). Matthew's funeral episode is one of my favorite soap funeral episodes ever. I feel like Viv is one of those characters they may be phasing out but I do wish they could do more with her. I don't know if bringing her kids back is the right answer but there must be something. So little of her past is known to viewers -- just that she had a horrible marriage to that guy, Reg or whatever, who fathered Scott and then returned years later and took Viv and Alan's wife Shirley hostage.

I will be surprised if we see any of them again, although I know Kelly had a following (I wasn't that fond of her).

I think the garage is named after Scott. I thought he sold it to Debbie several years ago. Perhaps they are still waiting to see if they ever want to bring Scott back.

Has anyone heard anything about if he may have changed any of the Amy story. Surely she, Ste, and Olly weren't supposed to just vanish during that murder mystery nonsense? Then when they appear again in June,

So is the current stuff nothing to do with him and we look kind of silly if we praise anything airing now, or did he make some changes?