Ben

Tiana Benjamin really brought it during her grieving scenes. Something has happened to her recently to make her go from a mediocre actress, to someone who can really emote, and move the viewer. That scene where she got up to speak about her mum, but couldn't, was really sad. Now, I kinda wish she wasn't leaving. If only she could've improved sooner. Actually, I think they've all come into their own with this story - Chelsea, Libby, Patrick (who has been underused and forgotten for so long that it's easy to forget just what a fine actor he is), Kim, Denise, Lucas (maybe these two have not so much come into their own, but shown us what they can do with the right material). Even Ronnie and Roxy have been awesome, especially Roxy. ITA with whoever said that this has been Rita's best work in a long time. This story has made me realize that this show has more child abuse plots than any other soap. I didn't realize that Peggy was referring to Harry Slater, as she never mentioned him by name, which was weird. But come Sept. they'll have 3 characters (Ronnie/Whitney/Kat) living on the Square who have all be abused as a child. But, they're not going to know that about each other, so it's unlikely they'll have any scenes relating to this. EE really do have one of the strongest casts in soap. I'm not sure what to think about Daphne. Her character seemed a little all over the place - feisty attitude one minute, ditz the next. I'm glad she's not staying, b/c I think there's only room for exploring one sisterly relationship at a time, and I'm more interested to see them develop Denise & Kim, even though there appears to be a lot of story potential in them as a family. And I have to give props to the actor who plays Darren, for agreeing to do that scene.

Denise's funeral is gonna be so sad. I really thought they were going to have her gate-crash it, but that looks very unlikely, now. I think next week is the climax to the Lucas story, right? I know what you mean - those kinds of stories would be a complete bore on a US soap. That's not to say it can't be done, just they would have to inject more heightened drama into it; EE doesn't need to do any of that to make those kind of stories work. I think Syed becoming apart of the Beale's would be quite interesting - Ian would be his usual self, unhappy with it (b/c he's Ian, and you know he would), but loving winding up Zainab; could be some conflict between Syed and Lucy, after her blackmailing him, and basically being the catalyst that outed him; but in the end, they would become his surrogate family. I don't want them to have too much legendary drama anytime soon; in 3 months, maybe, but they need to develop as couple first. And yeah, Amira did the get the shaft. I got the feeling as soon as Preeya announced her departure, that she'd become an after thought, as if she never really mattered. I know she was always collateral damage, but with her leaving, all respect for her character seemed to go out the window. I don't think Amira sending her baby to live with Masoods is realistic. What I'd like, is if she returned with the baby, and allow Syed to see it, before ripping it away from him, with intent of never letting him see it ever again. It would be cruel, but symbolise all that he took away from her. I noticed yesterday how jarring it was seeing Syed & Christian being all sweet, and couple-y without angst, considering that we never seen that before. I like it. ME definitely showed the changes in Syed. I loved how messy and untied he is; really showed how free Syed is now. To the person who asked about Roxy being a Chryed supporter - she's always been in their corner, but was against Syed b/c of the pain he was inflecting on Christian. Now that he has committed to Christian, Roxy is happy for them.

I was just thinking about her the other day, and what Santa said about her character not being needed, b/c they already have Syed, who fills her dynamic. I think that's rubbish; her character is very much needed, and would have presented a different dynamic. I strongly believe that if Shabnam had still been around, she would've been calling Syed out for being selfish, and raking him over the coals for blaming everyone else for his problems, but himself. I see Shabnam as being a mixture of Zainab and Tamwar, in that she would support Syed, but not condone his treatment of Amira (even though Tamwar didn't, but he's so much more passive in his approach, whereas Shabnam probably wouldn't have been). I also think it would've been interesting to see who Shabnam would've sided with over her parents marital dramas. And what would've happened, say, if she stumbled across the whole Mas & Jane kiss? There have been missed opportunities in not recasting her and bringing her back. This is why I wanted Syed to be bi, and not simply gay. Well, that and I'm bored of seeing gay characters created, while side lining bisexual characters, who never really get represented all that well. I think there would've been more scope with having Syed being bi, not just with Amira, but also with Christian - who he would've still ultimately have chosen, b/c that's who he's in love with - as it would've given them the material to show that gay people can be just as prejudice, as Syed's parents. It could've added another layer to their supercouple romance. That was what I was trying to say in my earlier post, but you sum it up better. I just hope that ME develops Syed a bit more; show the progression in is character, instead of allowing him to feel as if he's not moving with the plot. I think your last point would create some good character conflict between the pair. These two are complete opposites in a lot of ways, and seeing them work through that, while constantly butting heads, and having to learn to compromise and except each other for who they are, while learning that they do share some interests (which ultimately hold them together (along with their love)) would be good character development (and also good story, as I'd like to see them involved in less sensationalist stuff). I've grown up with parents who are almost polar opposites, so I know first hand how volatile that kind of situation can be; but when there's love, anything is possible - which is where Chryed's supercouple status comes in. Now, if we can believe that Syed is in love with Christian, then everything else should fall into place... right?

I think, like Y&RWorldTurner, that there has been too much happening since then to really be able to catch up, and starting from June 2010 is probably a good idea, but, I think it may be good for you to see some of the bigger episodes in between, which could broaden your perspective on what's going on now. Off the top of my head: Stacey being sectioned; Lucas & Denise's wedding/Owen's death; Christmas 2009; Zainab discovering Syed & Christian's affair; Syed & Amira's wedding; the Live Episode; Amira learning the truth... I can't think of any other significant episodes... Can anyone else?

I'm glad Ten have finally admitted that the show needs work, b/c it really can't continue how it is. They need the show to support their local drama quota, and really should be doing something with the show to make it the best it possibly can. And I think that's one of the fundamental differences with the present and the past - in the past, the show has always tried new ways of attracting new viewers, and when that's failed, they've tried something else, but under Bower, the show has tried something new, it failed, and has stuck with it. 2004 was such a successful year in characters, storylines, and ratings, that ultimately, they've never been able to get that back due to one very bungled idea rooted in greed. They (either the show or Ten) wanted more than that success, which gave birth to the OTT years, in an attempt to compete with the OTT Home & Away. That is where it started, and has yet to end, only being made incredibly worse by Bower. What I find interesting with the shift in teen dominance and the really mundane, lifeless, boring stories that game with them, and associating those restrictions to the 'G' rating, is other teen shows on earlier, with the same 'G' rating, are able to tell more interesting, realistic teen stories. That to me says it all. One of those shows, I think it's called Dance Academy, featured a realistically written gay story, so it will be interesting to see how Neighbours' attempts at their first gay male storyline works out... Lets hope it lasts longer than 6 weeks.

So that's the reasoning behind him being a virgin?! Couldn't they have come up with something a bit more believable? Not that a bad relationship couldn't do that, just to a guy, and for 6 years seems a bit far fetched. I like the idea of Nikhil being a virgin, as that's a good social issue to do, especially the way male virgins are seen socially, compared to female virgins, where a lot more respect is bestowed upon them. Guys are seen as weird, like they have something wrong with them. Emmerdale has always been the English answer to an American soap, which I think is part of its appeal. The mix of countryside and glamour can look a bit odd at first, but realistically it's pretty normal. And they have in the past dealt with the class divide, but over the years the characters have dealt with that. I mean, the rich families come and go, but the poorer ones are long standing, and really, it would be weird having them struggle with that divide every time a new wealthy family rocked up. I'll admit, they haven't been as outrageous as they have been in the past, with stunts, but maybe that's something the show will build up to. As contemporary as it is, the show will always be seen as the old people's soap. Young people do watch, just it's more in a guilty pleasure kinda way.

This woman seriously annoys me. She wants fan support b/c of the terrible ratings, and yet advises people to write to the cast!? How's that gonna help the ratings rise? If she would just listen to the fans, then maybe there wouldn't be terrible ratings. It's not neurosurgery. Just common sense. She's killed (with or without Ten's help) the shows rep, and that is something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, otherwise no amount of fan calling is going to increase ratings. Why would viewers return to a show that is still playing the same tune that drove them away?

I think they need to remember that they're characters, and not plot pieces. Their story has been fundamentally about plot twists, and stunts that don't have any lasting impact, which is ironic, considering this is supposed to be about character. They need to develop Syed, and have him move forward, b/c ATM, it's just the plot that's moving forward, but not the characters. Christian & Syed need to be seen addressing their issues, and not falling into a relationship so easily. Christian needs to learn to empathize, and Syed needs confidence and self-esteem in order to learn how to deal with being gay and a Muslim. Really, he should be doing this before he moves in with Christian, but then I guess, there'd be no drama. Obviously, Syed's gonna have issues with being a public couple, and adapting to that, but long term, I think that they can take Syed back to who he was originally supposed to be before he was laden with angst. Shrewd, manipulative, charming, which could naturally develop from gaining confidence and self-esteem. In what story? I don't know... Maybe something career related. Wait, they could do some kind of prescription drug addiction, that sees Syed get addicted after being treated for his obvious anxiety and depression that he has - some of those medications can be seriously addictive. It's also a good social issue storyline, too, which would have depth and meaning, unlike all the others. It could also be a good time for them to see how self-inflicted their problems are/have been, and go from there. Whether someone is a good/bad actor is also subjective. Some people think ME is awesome, while others, like yourself, think he's a bad actor. I think he's a decent actor (a bit theatrical, but that kinda adds to Syed being a drama whore), but their lack of romantic chemistry lets them down. You are right, I to question whether Syed is really in love with Christian, but I think that's simply b/c of where Syed's head is at. He's not comfortable in his own skin, and is anxious about everything, which leaves a distance between what he's actually feeling. Theoretically, if he can become content with being gay, then hopefully his love for Christian wouldn't be so questionable... I did not know that. Actually, I thought that was just a rumour that Preeya quashed? Hence the therapist wanting Syed to have "years" of psychoanalysis, which would realistically bankrupt him. Seriously, psychoanalysis is only affordable for the rich. And yeah, I think ME did a decent job of conveying Syed's situation. He reminds of KKL in being able to cry on demand. I do believe that to do this part of the story justice, they should have had many more therapy scenes, so viewers could get a feel of what they're actually like, and what goes into trying to "cure" gay people. These few little scenes are not enough. Ina owns the flower stall on the market, who employs Jean. I think you would've seen her before, in the odd background shot. I think she's the one that has short red hair. I don't think Marc's uncomfortable at playing a gay character. Check my reasoning a couple of quotes above. I'd say he probably has had some negative feedback, but chooses not to say, but instead publicly focus on all the positives. I'd be really surprised if he hasn't, as you say, there are gonna be people who object to the story, especially one so high profile.

Emmerdale have been pretty good at this. Like, they kept the outcome of Cain & Sadie's exits under wraps; they also did the same with Kim Tate a couple of times; the identity of Zoe's lover... Didn't B&B manage to keep Taylor's resurrection a secret, too? To me, this shows that there isn't really any excuse for not keeping big plot twists a secret from the media, as EE have demonstrated that it can be done. Corrie shouldn't need to leak out fake spoilers to keep the media out; they should be able to keep storylines secret themselves.

So, what do you guys think about Charlie having a brain tumour? They were writing him as if he was a conman, but really he's been living with this tragic secret. I liked his scenes with Diane - actually, I quite like Charlie. Does anyone know how long he has to live, as I missed the first half of the episode. I quite liked those David/Leyla scenes, too. But, what type of business is she trying to set-up? And who was that woman that comforted her? Carl: They really should just bring in an aristocratic family, and be done with it. Lady Tara Oakwell was one of my fave characters. I loved her, and the actress. Didn't she have a romance with Biff Fowler? And didn't she end up in a cat-fight with her PA (whose name I can't remember; she was kinda stuck-up, too). I liked how Tara mellowed out, but never forgot her roots, or who she was; she was never a snob.

Re: the World Cup thing - that confused me at first, but then I realized that these eps were probably meant to air earlier, but due to the numerous pre-emptions, its been delayed. I also think that Darren got the tickets late, and they were only ever going to fly out to South Africa half way through the season anyway. Stupid story anyway. Those Lucas/Denise scenes were awesome. Lucas really showed just how psychotic he has become. I love how we got a glimpse of the old feisty Denise, as she tried to stand up to her husband, who has been wearing her down emotionally for months. LOL @ Lucas wanting her to be his Lady Magdalene. But, that body the divers recovered sure did look like Denise's arm... I really hope she isn't dead. I'm not used to being in the dark over the outcome of a character's fate. I liked how Zainab stood up for Denise, refusing to believe she killed Owen. But, I don't like how easily Chelsea doubts her mum's innocence. That one doesn't make sense to me.

I did forget about Victoria. Doh! I even saw her in a scene the other day with Diane, and it still didn't click that she's Andy's adopted sister. OK, that strengthens his ties a bit. Does Andy and Victoria share scenes much, or is she only with Diane? Oh, and where is she off to now? France for the summer? Or for ever? Why doesn't the show use her more? Is it b/c the actor is at school on real life?

Get well soon, Kym. I do find Susan Bower's comment about being prone to illness due to it being winter, kinda strange. It's a blood clot, not a serious dose of the flu! It's not like blood clots are more common in winter, than any other time of the year.

Why are they leaking false info to the press? Dose Corrie have that much of a problem with protecting their storylines, that they have to sink to this level? I mean, EastEnders are able to keep things under wraps, like Denise's fate, so why can't Corrie? For me, I'm being turn away from the show, so these fake outs are not helping. I'm not sure what there intention is, either, Carl. What's true, what isn't true; it's all just too much for me. It's easier not to watch.

Thanks Amello and Carl. All very helpful. Amello: I guess I'm surprised to see Andy still around, simply b/c he is the last of the Sugdens, which makes him isolated. I know he's Sarah's father, and has that connection to the Dingles, but even so, on any other show he would be seen as dead wood. Carl: Jimmy is totally different to what I remember him as, which is a bit jarring. I think that sappiness was always there, though - namely through his devotion to Sadie and Kelly - just hidden under all the jackass-ness. I liked Jimmy and Kelly. I also like Jimmy & Nicola, even though I would never have guessed them getting together, much less married. I think I've see a couple of scenes with Eve. I hated her character before; all obnoxious and annoying, with no redeeming features. Now, I'm not sure what to think. She's not obnoxious any more, but I have to wonder about her place in the show, and if she's needed. Is she needed? I think I'm not going to like her... Now Faye, is a character that I think looks like she could rule Home Farm. Does she have the background, though? A BIG no to your suggestion about turning the manor into flats! Emmerdale wouldn't be the same without the glamorous-ness that Home Farm brings to the show. Plus, it's the only Brit soap that can get away with having rich, big, characters. I loved Zoe Tate, she was a favourite of mine. They need someone like that again; someone who can throw a grand party/ball; someone who can mix it up with the rich and the poor, and all those in between. That's what is missing with the Wyldes - that level of grandness and sophistication. I remember when the Tates threw that party, and Charity was revealed to be Zoe's secret lover. Good times. I like that Katie is friends with many. Sometimes that kind of character is rare. So, you think Nikhil was abused. Interesting... that hadn't crossed my mind. Why do you think this? Has there been clues?

I like the sound of an MS storyline for Carol, but my concern would be her very disjointed support network. With Neighbours' Susan, she had her family and friends, but Carol lacks a stable home life. She lives with Max and Abi, and I could see them having Bianca wanting to take care of her and move her into Pat's house which is way too crowded. Plus, it might be a bit much after Jack and Jim. I really think they should build her up career wise, and have her meet a nice guy, who has money (not wealthy, just modestly rich), someone who could be a control freak, like her, which would cause personality clashes. Maybe she could be embarrassed by her past, which could see her push this guy away. But of course, he wouldn't be Mr. Perfect...

So, what are peoples first impressions of Michael & Natasha Williams, and Declan 2.0? I like the Williams' so far, especially Natasha. I don't know why, b/c she is the female version of Andrew, who I don't like. I think Michael has potential, but I have this horrible fear that he will become a future love interest for Libby, which is something that shouldn't happen. Declan 2.0 is nothing like the original Declan, Who I loved. And it's not just looks, but personality, too. I really wish they hadn't of recast, or at least, gave the character a small hiatus, before introducing the him. It would have been better. Poor Steph. I thought they handled her cancer scare quite well, and the marriage proposal actually makes sense, sort of.

That makes sense. And that's what Home Farm is missing; it's one of the reasons why the Kings didn't work. But don't get me wrong, I like them, all of them, and I don't want to see any of them leave, just for them not live in Home Farm. So, you think Natasha won't be around for much longer, then? So, I'm really unsure of what viewers/characters know, and where my knowledge fits into all of this. I've read about Charlie's secret, but on screen it's as if they're writing him as being a con man, out to steal Diane's money, but that's not it at all. I know Rodney knows, but I'm not sure if that's yet to air, or if the viewers know, and it's just the characters that don't know. Confused yet? What does everyone think of these characters (I've yet to see them on screen): Leila, Faye, Ryan (who people seem to think is too backburnered); and does Scarlett ever do anything? When I watched, she seemed like a spare part, and I'm surprised she's still around, considering her mother left years ago. Actually, I'm surprised any of the Kings are still left, as well as Andy, Katie... No matter how long one hasn't been watching, Shadrach never changes. I love that about his character. This story with Marlon is actually quite sad. I loved when Nicola lamented about running her own business once, compared to being ordered about, now. She's quite good at the comedy stuff, but I do think she works best as a bitch. Has married/parent hood mellowed her out? I really hope not. Does anyone else think Nikhil's secret is that he's a virgin? Or is that all too obvious?

I don't know what to say. I can't work out if this disaster is necessary or not. Probably, the characters that we want to die, won't (bar Molly - even though I don't believe she should be killed off), and the ones that will, shouldn't (like Trevor, who I still believe has potential). BTW: his new look is good, but very random. It took me awhile to realize that it is still the same actor!

So, as I posted in the Corrie thread, I'm starting to get back into Emmerdale; I don't think I'll watch religiously, but enough to know what's going on. The show seems to have quite a large cast, too. From what I've seen, I don't really feel the Wyldes fit into Home Farm, the way that house was intended; they're no Tates, or Oakwells. And it's not about money, but class, and Natasha and Co. don't feel upper class enough. OK, I have to go, someone's at the door! I'll finish off my post later.

I'm not watching like I used to. I'm pretty sure I watched an ep last week, but I can't remember what it was about! The more spoilers that are revealed, the more my interest drains away. I think Carl said it, but there seems to be some kind of social issue check list going on - apparent suicide, abortion, murder, rape, death, child abuse, and now homophobia (and all in the space of 5 months!). It's all too much. Generally, there's nothing wrong with any of these plotlines, but they all just seem so misguided and misplaced on there respective characters. The child abuse story with Ashley & Claire sounds horrible, and really not fitting for these long standing characters. I feel it's all the worse involving Dev & Sunita, who are their best friends (well, Dev and Ashley are good mates, and Sunita and Claire have known each other for a very long time), and who should know them well enough to realize that Claire wouldn't hit their son, Aadi. I can see Dev totally overreacting, and Sunita being the more rational one, but when the dust settles, there really is no reason why Ashley & Claire should feel the need to leave town, especially over something that their fellow neighbour Rita, has lived through and survived on the Street for many years after. It feels unnecessary. Why couldn't they have had a semi-happy ending? Don't they deserve one? I share the same concerns as Carl, regarding the homophobia plot, as it's going to involve guest characters who aren't staying around, so really, what will be the point? I have no problems with TPTB introducing more gay characters, even if they aren't utilizing the ones they have, but to centre a major story around two guest characters, and expect viewers to care about them, is asking a lot, and generally never happens. Maybe, if they're given a 3-6 months guest star contract, it should give them enough time to craft a well written story, while embedding them into the fabric of the show... but, this is supposed to be a December story, so better be introducing them in October, at least. On the other hand, they have a freshman story in Sophie & Sian, and I can't help but feel this is a missed opportunity to tie them into this homophobia story with Ken. Surely, they could have worked it so Sian could be related to Ken in some way, maybe via BR's real life eldest son, and Sian's dad. That way, viewers already care about Sian, and they wouldn't have to build up/integrate any new characters into the show/viewers hearts. Funny you should say that, as I've just started getting back into Emmerdale. It was all very unintentional, but a great testament to the changes that have been made, b/c all it took was about 10 mins of a random ep, and I could instantly see how very much improved it is. I watched a whole ep the other day, and enjoyed it. It reminded me of when it was good, before they were crushing fresh corpses with JCBs.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought the interview was a major disappointment. Boring is not the word. It was so robotic and bland, and read as if he has no clue as to what Corrie's problems are. Nothing much interested me, or made me want to tune in on a regular basis; he focused on, either, dull storylines, or characters I'm not interested in. Why no mention of Sophie & Sian, Dev & Sunita, Sally, Gail, Ashley & Claire, Roy & Hayley, John & Fiz, Janice... The former were supposed to be a big story, and they haven't even featured since Sian 'fessed up her feelings for Sophie - that's a disgrace, and really lazy playing their relationship off screen. The only positives I could take from all that is, Michelle working in the factory; Nick & Leanne won't be revisiting their history (thank God!); Natasha's exit may not be what we all believe; the Windasses deal with Gary going to war; Graeme & Tina aren't a 2 month pairing. There doesn't seem to be a story for Carla, apart from building her relationship with Michelle, yet he talks about community and friendship, yet is totally neglecting Carla & Leanne, who are supposed to be BFF's! This annoys me. And he's extended the Molvin story, which is really annoying, especially when he thinks it has legs. I understand it's an umbrella story, which he seems to love, but keeping it going b/c it effects a whole chunk of people is no reason. The story needs to end. Molly having her baby does not mean it needs to carry on into next year! I'm also disappointed about the no returns. A real missed opportunity to honour the past, while celebrating the shows future. The Armstrongs sound dull. And the show doesn't need a new Charlie Stubbs moving onto the Street - ATM, I just don't care enough about Cheryl.

It happens on Wednesday. There are only two episodes next week (possibly both 1 hour long editions), so you'll have to catch the aftermath some other way.

Mink's no longer with the show. She was kinda fun from what I saw. Oh, Angelo, the one character that is sure to divide opinion. Generally, I like Angelo, I think he has lots of potential. But... See, when he first started, Angelo was a breath of fresh air - he was cheeky, funny, and very jovial; he reminded me a lot of Vinnie. Then they paired him with now-dead Belle, and turned him into a jealous freak, with a violent temper. Then they mellowed that out, but kept the seriousness; all that made him great, was gone. In the 2008 season finale, Angelo accidentally shot heartthrob Jack Holden (Martha's soul-mate - she has many!), and he was charged, only to return in 2009 under the guise of solving the year long mystery, and being reinstated as a cop. All the Jack fans hated him. Those that still liked him, were turned off him, as Angelo became more and more arrogant and obnoxious the more the year long mystery dragged. But, the 2010 revamp has seen Angelo become more relaxed, yet they still don't seem to be able to take him back to his cheeky jovial self. The less time he spends solving crimes, the better the character becomes. He probably looks a better character if you've never seen any of his past.

Marilyn is awesome. She really brings an old school vibe back to the show. I've not seen any negative comments about Marilyn, from old or new viewers; most are really happy to have her back. Emily and TPTB are being true to her character - its like she's never been away. Marilyn revealed that she's dying, but she's dealing with it in her own way, and dosen't want anyone to mention it (Alf, Miles). It seems they've taken her literally, and haven't brought it up since. But, apparently, there maybe more to it than meets the eye... Angelo. Thinking about it, there aren't that many teens on the show ATM, which is really surprising, considering H&A has always been more teen based than Neighbours - how ironic. There's Ruby, Nicole, Romeo and Xavier, and really you can by-pass Xavier. The others are good, especially the girls. You're talking about, Jill - Romeo's mother. She's new. She killed her horrible husband to collect on his will, and allowed her daughter Mink, to take the rap, and spend several years in juvie. That's why Romeo is so dark on - that, and her alcoholism. She has a lot to make up for.