Ben

So it's true - Lucy is out. And I totally misjudged her. They'll have to recast, now... - Digital Spy. What would I do with Roxy? Well, I think they need to take her back to a time when she wasn't so dumb, b/c this isn't Roxy. Yeah, she puts her trust in the wrong people, but she's no bimbo. This whole plot with Danny makes her look and act, like she's devoid of any brain matter. A zombie has more sense than her. They also need to address why she disowned Ronnie, as they haven't really mentioned it at all, and go from there. Explore her motive for believing Archie (and Danny) at all costs; explore her relationship with Glenda; have her face reality, instead of letting her languish in the fantasy world that was/is her life. I get that she didn't want to believe Ronnie, b/c that would've meant her whole relationship with her dad would've been based on a lie, and it's easier to run away and not have to deal with horrific truths, like your father abusing your sister. But this needs addressing, and it would develop her character, too. I think the original fun Roxy, is who she needs to be, which could conflict with her trying to be a good mum to Amy. I can totally see her raising her as a mini-me. They need to explore that, b/c at the moment, it's like Amy's a china doll, wheeled out for special tea parties, or something; it's not real. She shouldn't have the Vic, but the salon suits her.

He hasn't thrown as much mud at Roxy, as he has Ronnie. There are still avenues to explore with Roxy, but they've made sure that Ronnie has been all tapped out. All of her enigmatic qualities have been explored; there's no more layers to peal. What they need to do with Ronnie, is reboot the character, and send her on a soul-searching mission. I think moving her and Jack forward, and making them a proper couple, will help with that; but really, outside of her past with Archie, what do we really know about Ronnie? She's not developing at all. Y&RWorldTurner is right: she just suffers. There has to be more to her than suffering. And yeah, they are great characters, and their stories have sucked, but it's the sucky stories that have ruined/ing the characters. I'm gonna take that with a pinch of salt. Every interview she does, she talks about how privileged she is to be working on EE (especially now that she is a permanent player), and how much she loves playing Lucy. I just can't see her jeopardising that after being warned by the show. Of course, she could just have been stupid, and I could've totally misjudged her. Plus, would they really fire her for this, instead of just giving her a suspension? So, she went to a club under age, and posted some risqué photos of herself on the net - it's not like she's always in the news for being drunk, and stuff - they suspended Jessie Wallace, and now they're bringing her back, so I can't see why they wouldn't do the same with Melissa.

Bower has been sucking for over a year, now. She has publicly invited Kylie back, but I'm not really sure she wants to. I get the feeling she was just humouring the interviewer. Yes, it is a good thing. And the publicity would be awesome, but the show has got to address its problems, before garnering huge publicity, only to leave any potential new/returning viewers uninterested in the show. Although, to do that, Bower has got to acknowledge that there are problems, and her vision for the show sucks real bad. I do wonder why, Susan Bower declined to be interviewed as part of Digital Spy's Producer Season...? That seems weird.

It's languishing somewhere in between (and this seems to still be the case at Oz pace). The last 2 weeks have shown signs of improvements; they've been OK-good. But, this week has seen a return to OK-bad, and for some episodes, just plain bad. It is struggling to sustain a constant level of good, but it has shown that it is finally, taking on board viewer feedback, as there have some notable improvements. Balance between adults and teens is an on-going issue. They're not bad. But Susan Bower, no matter how hard she tries, still loves to dominate storylines with the teens, but this had a major negative fan backlash, and now she's focusing on the pre-teens. Never in the history of the show, has kids as young as Ben, Callum and Sophie, been given plots that dominate episodes. Having said that, the show works best when the focus is on the adults, and the teens stories click, when they heavily feature adults. Steph & Toadie's baby lie is flying the adult flag, and even though the execution was terrible, and the plots holes were huge, it has injected some much needed drama into the show. There will be huge dramatic consequences when the truth comes out, and that is what works with this story. It's also nice seeing the genuine moments with Steph, like when she got her first scan, and when she felt the baby kick for the first time. There is something very tragic about her predicament. Libby's getting a new love interest, who they've already built up as Karl's rival, and Steph's doctor. So that should present some interesting scenes. Paul's financial woes are also causing a lot of friction between him and Rebecca, and Andrew/Declan. Jane Badler's character will be involved in this story, and will tie in with Rosemary's return, and the shows 6000th ep. Andrew, though, is the weak link in this story. It's also a crime that they've used this story to ruin Christina's character, by portraying her as a bad mother to Andrew, with the sole intent of making viewers feel sorry for him. It doesn't work. And great past character has now been tarnished for nothing. Lyn is back to her old self, and no longer in that annoyingly tedious feud with Rebecca (a story that nearly ruined both characters). There's a nice triangle with Andrew/Summer/Harry, that works. Declan & Kate are sweet, but sometimes a little boring. Donna's found down her bio dad. Characters on this show have generally never been the problem, it's the writing. Case in point: Andrew Robinson. He has so much untapped potential, yet they write him as a petulant brat, who partakes in petty, childish revenge pranks, instead of exploring a deeper motivation; something that the viewer can latch on to, empathize, and go with no matter what crazy stunt he pulls. Instead, you just bask in his misery, and not really care, except to get annoyed at his attempts to break-up Paul & Rebecca. His one note acting doesn't help, either. It has direction. I think this year is a real transitional period for the show, and will test whether or not they can turn things around, or whether Susan Bower is better off vacating her role as EP. It'll be testing times as to whether Network Ten will bother to help fix the show, or continue to let it languish.

Sylph, do I assume that you haven't been watching in a while? It's doing OK; not great, just OK. Sometimes it feels like it's treading water, and other times, everything clicks. But H&A's main issue is that it lacks an identity; it doesn't know what it wants to be, or how to gel tradition with modern. They're trying to take the show back to its roots, but they don't know which roots they want to emulate. The lighting has changed, and the sets have been updated (some work and others have totally lost their identity, like Leah's house); everything has a warm sunny feel, whether they're dealing with teen romance, or murder. I wasn't a fan of the Year Long Mystery, or 90% of the show, and that same storyline that dragged it down last year, is still playing out now. Hugo/Martha; Gina/John; Xavier, are terrible in many different ways. Whole episodes should never revolve around Xavier, while Gina & John are boring as hell - in fact, counting grains of sand would be more entertaining! Martha epitomizes everything that is wrong with the show, and along with Hugo, sucks the life out of everything. Angelo is not much different. Tony & Rachel don't do anything, and it is clear why Amy Mathews decided to quit. They managed to give Tony and John a rivalry, which is believable, but boring. John drags everyone down, with his outdated views, and general boring nature. Irene still does nothing. Maybe for the best, considering the last time they gave her a story, it was insulting, and unrealistic. But, Marilyn is a God's send. Really, she's awesome. She breathes so much life and soul back into the show, and clicks with everyone. Miles' mental health story has been really good. It did drag for a bit, but overall its been creative, and a positive portrayal, IMO. Leah has had life breathed back into her, thanks to new addition Elijah, who really suits her. He's also a nice guy with a personality. But, I do wish they hadn't of killed Vinnie off screen, just to prop Elijah and Leah. That was unnecessary. Ruby is great, as are Romeo and Nicole (although, Nicole did have a fashion story that was ripped from the pages of Neighbours' attempt with Donna & Saffron). Liam has a lot of potential, but they're wasting him on nothing much. Aden's brother Justin was an excellent new addition, but sadly he's left - hopefully he'll return. It was sad seeing Aden leave, as he had become a favourite, but it felt right after everything. I liked the story surrounding Justin, and whether he killed their father, Larry, and all the burying of the body, and digging it up, again. I would've preferred a more fitting goodbye between the family, instead of one garbled phone message apology from Larry. But that Year Long Mystery and everything that happened during it, really had no effect on characters - no development at all. And you'd never guess that Charlie was revealed to be Ruby's mother. That story has so much scope, but nothing has been down with it.

I'm really not that interested in his return. In fact, I'm completely bored with the show (I'm down to watching once or twice a week). Nothing is really grabbing my attention; and I can't stand Tracy and this stupid story with jailed Gail - it's too unrealistic for words. And Tracy has no redeeming qualities at all. Anyway, I wish they'd have made this scheduling decision before they filmed these episodes. It just feels like a missed opportunity to branch out of their usual timeslot restrictions, and tell his revenge story in a more adult way. (Not that they're not adult usually, but you know what I mean.)

Some people still think that - more so about Ronnie. I like Roxy. I did post a long explanation over at DS several months ago about why I love her character... Maybe I'll go see if I did it up, as I can't be bothered to explain it here. I will say though, that they have/are slowly ruining her character, which I think started around the time they introduced Archie. As for Ronnie - I like the idea of who she's supposed to be, but she's been bogged down in too much misery, which has drowned her character.

I forgot all about the Ben stuff - there really wasn't much of it. But what I did realize, is that there seems to be a parallel line between Phil Mitchell's and Paul Robinson's (Neighbours) lives. Both were absent fathers. Both have had children return, only to be beset with issues/problems that make them so unlikeable, nasty or annoying. Both have ex-wives who seem(ed) incapable of raising good kids, even though they had the makings of a good parent. Weird. Danny had potential to be pretty good, but they've ruined him. I'm still surprised that they chose to have Glenda play such an inconsequential role in this story; she could've been used to a much greater effect. @ Danny's pathetic attempts to list Roxy's erratic spending - shoes, clothes, bags, a car, and a cell phone - yeah, that really demonstrates her frittering away millions of pounds.

^ I know that. But some people don't, and associate the two. I've never thought of her as witch, but if she does have witchy qualities, then I don't think they're a negative. (Not that you said it is a negative.)

I don't think Zainab's a witch. I actually think she represents a lot of Muslims (not in the OTT sense, which has all been ramped up for the sake of drama and soapiness), in how her culture influences her actions, and props her religious beliefs. I think it's interesting to see the distinctions between Masood and Zainab, and how he follows his religion, but doesn't allow his culture to dictate how he runs his life - he's happy to take Syed back in, while Zainab freaks out at being ostracised from the Muslim community. I don't think she'd ever want her so to die, just for the nightmare to be over. If Syed had died, then she wouldn't have to deal with loosing the respect of her friends, or having to face up to the fact that Syed is gay, and it totally goes against everything she's been brought up to believe in. She doesn't know how to deal with that conflict. Yesterday's ep demonstrated how many selfish characters this show has (Ronnie, Max, Christian, Syed) and still managed to be ironic, by having Roxy pay for Jack's treatment at a private clinic. I still can't get over the ridiculous price of £30,000 per month - they'd have no patients at that price! Why didn't they just transfer Jack to the private sector of the hospital? Also, Ronnie wanting to list Billy as the electrician was stupid, especially knowing that he's not qualified - they'd never pay-out, and listing Billy would've simply landed him in trouble. Does she not have any brains?

She did, and it was. I've always found it interesting that she believed Pauline should've stayed mourning Arthur for all eternity, instead of moving on, and falling in love with someone else. Not everyone can be eternally miserable all the days of their lives, and a happy ending for such an embattled character, would've been nice, but WR put paid to that. Instead, we got that terrible death scene - shame, as by that time, I no longer cared for the character. I think I know what you mean about the weather; day-to-day it's not over done, just when something big happens, like snow. There was frost in May, but that really isn't all that surprising, considering our changeable weather. I used to know someone who was obsessed with the weather; he would be hooked to the weather channel, checking reports on the Internet, etc. It's was kinda endearing, in a weird sort of way.

Agree! So happy they didn't leave the door open for a possible return.

Then you weren't watching when we had the snow for several months. It made the lead story on the BBC's news for several days, even though there wasn't anything new to report, except more stupid motorists driving out in heavy snow, and abandoning their vehicles. I get that, but even without them making Zainab the villain, she's still a difficult person to live with. I do think a lot of it has been rushed. I'm not sure that they're purposely making her the villain, but showing us that her personal beliefs are causing her to ruin her family. Once Syed was gone, that should of been it; but Zainab likes to takes things to their extreme, and push situations to the breaking point. I think the only person her actions generate sympathy for, is Masood. I don't feel any sympathy for Syed, or Jane, or anyone else, and I don't think they justify Masood hitting on Jane. And yes, the Mas/Jane stuff is weird, especially when he said he hasn't stopped thinking about their kiss - seriously, that was a WTF! moment. Terrible writing. And why was Janine so worried about what the customers think of Syed? I didn't understand any of that scene, with Charlie and the randoms whispering about Syed. He's gay, where's the scandal? And Janine has done far worse, so if anyone's reputation was to turn customers away, hers should.

Meh. It all becomes annoying when you live in a country that makes a big deal of the smallest of extreme weather. And even more annoying when they're made the lead news story, which is basically a recap, dressed up as something new. Now, if we were prone to getting an earthquake or two, that would be different. Zainab did not ask Mas for a divorce, she told him she wanted to dissolve their partnership with the Beales. Split-up their business, and basically leave them in a financial bind. She's being irrational, even if Mas is being too premature with Jane. He'll remember he has a baby, at some point. But, it must be so difficult living with someone like Zainab.

I had forgotten about her tragic loss, last year. Was her summer hiatus the reason for this? I seem to remember her barely being used before the summer, as I'm sure she had time off during the spring. Either way, I don't think you can say she's been used heavily at all - she had that fling with the handyman guy (or whatever it was he did); disappeared; popped back up for Tony being revealed as Liam's killer; had a few scenes with Ryan; became the crush of Ryan's best mate Ben, and has since disappeared again.

Networks generally don't like to pre-empt shows - they avoid it at all cost (unless it's a filler show - but it's rare). It's not like in the US, where news reports interrupt shows about anything and everything (OK, that may be an over generalisation). But seriously, some people need to chillax, and realize that EE was pre-empted for a very important reason; it's not like it was for a weather update, or something equally unimportant - it was for a change in government, and a pretty major, historical change at that. Some people need to get some perspective.

The first thing I thought, was that I've never seen so many characters smoking in a soap before, and then I realized that I've never seen anyone else smoke in any other soap, either (bar EE's Dot, who hasn't had a smoking scene in ages). It's one of those things, that soaps don't like to portray. I think the only character I've seen smoking on a US soap, was Deacon, on B&B. Oh, and didn't Days' Princess Gina used to smoke as well? I don't watch Emmerdale or Hollyoaks, so maybe they have characters who smoke, too?

Why does Casualty get nominated, but Holby City doesn't? Personally, Holby is the stronger of the two - it has better writing, and better day-to-day episodes. They have strong characters, and some good character driven stories. Casualty has good production values, with its big stunts, and shock and awe plots, where people get blown-up, trapped in a crashed car, sawn in half with lots of blood and gore (which happens in every episode); the writing is clumpy, contrived, and sometimes cliché. I avoid the show at all costs. The Bill, IMO, is probably b/c its been cancelled. Corrie doesn't deserve to be nominated, much less win. EE aren't that much better, but probably more deserving than Corrie.

Betty's not leaving after all... She was placed on the backburner for the majority of the summer - they shipped Michelle off on some tour with a band, while I presume, they figured out what to do with her. Now, she hasn't been on screen for a couple of months. You are so fortunate to not have had to endure the terrible baby switch storyline, with Michelle's son Ryan, and some other kid, called Alex. It was badly executed, plotted, structured, paced, acted, written - you name it, and it was all kinds of bad. They didn't know who to focus on at any given point in the story, which had no direction. As soon as they realized it was despised by viewers, they abruptly ended it, and now pretend it never happened. ETA: I think they should go all the way, and turn Michelle into their version of Brooke Logan. Sometimes she feels like she's close to that type of character, what with her many men; it might make her more interesting, too. Although, they'd have to make sure they don't over do it, like B&B have with Brooke; but it could work. Anything to make her more engaging and interesting.

I get the feeling it might've been a more mutual decision between Lacey and TPTB. And probably with Jean, too. Tiana (Chelsea) is no big loss, considering her half-baked plots, and (mostly) wooden acting. Carl: I truly believe the all black episode, was never supposed to be hyped the way it was; they were going for subtle, but the tabloids made a big thing about it, which wasn't necessary. Yeah, the story sucked (it had big potential, as I thought they were gonna make Patrick the one who started the race riots, but they didn't, and it was all forgotten about), but it was supposed to coincide with Black History Month, so they did have well intentions, however misguided the actual story was.

Interview with Pete McTighe (writer/Supervising Script Editor). Note: It does contain a few spoiler teasers. ETA: Thanks to Perfect Blend

I do like Becky, but last year she was overexposed, and became obnoxious. This year, her stories have all be rushed - off-screen death of her mother; 2 episodes of mourning; 2 miscarriages, and aftermath dealt with in 2 weeks; now she's applying to adopt a baby! The social worker said it best - Becky has not mourned the loss of her babies, and now she's throwing herself into the adoption. But, it seems Kim Crowther believes it's OK to mention this, and move on, even though it wasn't an intentional plot point, and is simply her addressing fans concerns. Don't say that - we want to get rid of Kirk, not have him propped by the newbie!

Won't miss Molly, at all. But Trevor, I kinda thought he had potential - again. They should really have just paired him with Janice, instead of the silliness with Carla; like she would fall for a guy like Trevor. At one point, they were building Tyrone & Molly up, as the next Jack & Vera - but the horrendous Molvin affair has ruined all that. I really hope Tyrone leaves, too, as there really isn't much more they can do with his character, and we can finally put this period to rest. Otherwise, I can see him becoming another spare part, like Kirk and Sean. I'm gonna miss Betty. Maybe her recent health scare forced her to make some changes? Re: Betty's family - she does have a son and daughter-in-law, but when we saw them last, Betty retired, moved in with them, feuded with the DIL, who subsequently tried to con her out of her money, by manipulating the son into sending her into a retirement home, and signing everything over to him. The only way I can see her leaving to be with her son, is if he's grown a back bone, and dumped her gold-digging ass. So, Sean has gotten his yearly story, by randomly wanting to find his son. *yawn* No build up, just one day, he suddenly remembers that Dylan exists... Why must we put up with Sean and his dull storylines? I know this could have some good emotional impact, but when it involves a character who I don't care about, and is played by an actor who is simply playing himself, and would have to be the worst "actor" to grace Corrie's canvas, it all feels pointless and contrived.

OK, so Ben and Lauren are leaving... I know the girl that plays Lauren, wasn't that good, but surely she could've worked on a supporting basis? These are two legacy characters, and in their place, we've been given Fatboy, Leon and Zsa Zsa, and the soon-to-arrive Mercy. Doesn't seem right. As for Mercy... I see my rant about Billy the loser, has disappeared - shame. His financial woes really don't make any realistic, logical sense, and until they do, I'll continue not to be interested in any Billy is broke, storyline. I gotta mention this: That private clinic for Jack, would *not* cost £30,000 ($44,000) a month! That is a joke. Who the hell could afford that ridiculous price? And, to make things worse, they have that sparky charge Ronnie, £3,000 to fix her dodgy electrics! It's not a complete rewiring - no-one charges that ridiculous price. Come on show, a little research, please.