Ben

Thought I'd share this pic of Aaron and Nate, as I'm starting to dig them as a potential couple now. I quite like Aaron, but it's a shame they didn't hire someone with less limited range. What do others think of Aaron and him and Nate hooking up? I noticed it attracted a lot of homophobia on Instagram, but I was encouraged to see one bigot (the only one) get shut down on Facebook by loads of people. Meanwhile, Gina Liano seems to be dividing the audience, with some saying she's OK, with a limited range, while others are being brutal in calling her acting plastic, and looking like she's transgender. Ouch. IMO, for someone who is not an actor, I think she's doing OK.

Firstly, I really love your Lady Tara avatar, Carl. Secondly, reading all your rage is kinda sad. I think this is what's so frustrating about ED. It has a lot of positives, but so easily becomes plot-driven. I've felt from the start they wanted Robert to be the new Cameron, which doesn't suit him. I hate all the faux killer stuff they're trying to pull with him. This whole story from the start relies heavily on being character-driven, otherwise you have a hollow mess. Chrissie was conceived purely to be a plot device, and that sadly shows; Lawrence has become quite irrelevant; even Robert & Aaron have become a weird toxic mess, despite having the most potential to be something great. Robert should have a lot of depth, but they've reduced him to a selfish, arrogant two dimensional jerk. I no longer understand his motivation for wanting to stay in the closet - is it a money thing? Or about power? Does he really love Chrissie? Is Lawrence's "status" sending out mixed messages to Robert? (He's out, but he married a woman anyway.) I can understand how Lawrence defines himself could be quite confusing to someone like Robert who is scared to come out. I think they should have had Paddy confide in Rhona about Robert's threats, thus eliminating the need to have Paddy send Chrissie that note, and thus avoiding the whole attempted murder stunt. ITA about Ross. I think they've taken him too far, but it's thanks to Michael Parr that Ross doesn't completely feel redundant. They've totally lost Ross' essence as a character. Why they've turned him into a remorseless thug, I don't know. I like Carly, but I think they over play the same old beats with her. I get it: she's a lost soul, who has issues with morality, but genuinely wants to do the right thing. I did like the scenes with Brenda finding out everything. Her slapping Val was long overdue. I don't know what to think about the weird Jimmy/Tracey/Rodney stuff. I think Tracey kissing Jimmy was predictable and unnecessary. Also, I don't really buy that Rodney would act the way he has. He'd turn on the charm and try to hit on Tracey. Plus, I sometimes feel the scriptwriters forget that Rodney and Bernice are father/daughter, as some of their dialogue crosses a very wrong line. The story that is working for me, and is the best, is the whole Vanessa/Kirin/Rakesh/Priya saga. I'm really enjoying all of their characters and so far I'm liking where the story is going. I also think they should have continued more with the Harriet/Ashley/Laurel story, as it was quite interesting and layered. Sadly, they're going back to Maurel. Yeah, 'cause America never blocks anything for international viewers. Try watching anything of B&B that CBS uploads from outside the US.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11477563 H&A in crisis? I think the media are making this out to be worse than what it is. Yeah, the ratings have tumbled, but it was to be expected once all the Braxtons left. I don't like how they basically blame it on Gen Y or the rise of Netflix, like they're giving the show a free pass. The show is to blame, and nothing else, for simply being awful. Let's hope Seven will take this opportunity to fix the show.

Terrible? He needs to cut his hair - or the show needs to cut his hair.

@ The Cow Whisper! Yeah, no young person is going anywhere near that show with such a boring promo shot. Even the description sounds like it's made for the older person - gentle humour.

Some photos from Paige's 21st b/day party, with Real Housewives of Melbourne's Gina Liano. (Oz viewers would have already seen this.) Photo 1: Olympia Valance (Paige Smith) and Gina Liano (Mary Smith). 2: Olympia Valance. 3: Meyne Wyatt (Nate Kinski) and Jackie Woodburne (Susan Kennedy). 4: Morgana O'Reilly (Naomi Canning) and Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson). 5: Chris Milligan (Kyle Canning) and Colette Mann). 6: Tim Phillipps (Daniel Robinson) and Jenna Rosenow (Amber Turner).

Yeah, that's all very interesting Huntress. Thanks for explaining it all. It really gives me a small idea of how German TV works, etc. I find it interesting that the public service broadcasters don't care about chasing the young demos, like their commercial rivals do. In the UK, the BBC are always trying new ways to hook the 16-49 demo, which rarely goes to plan. It's quite surreal seeing it in print that a TV network actually wants 60+ viewers.

So, what is it about the RTL soaps that makes them more popular? Are they just better written/acted? Is RTL a more popular network than ARD?

That is so odd. But, it makes sense simply b/c CS and EE weren't down. I wonder how that mistake occurred? Someone must have made a typo when supplying the data to DS. Ross being the daddy was so predictable and obvious. Although, I will admit I was sucked in when they did not show Ross receiving a phone call. That was a good misdirection, almost like they knew he was an obvious choice. There is more story in giving Vanessa/Kirin a baby, but I just wonder if they will now that Charity/Debbie has a new baby. I don't know why they felt the need to even do this story.

Yeah, I'm wondering if they will saddle Vanessa with a kid. In the short term, it could provide drama for Adam and Victoria, but once the truth comes out, Vanessa (and Kirin) will be stuck with a baby, much like how Priya and Debbie currently are. Carl: I saw your post on DS about ED's ratings yesterday, and I think it's down to a combination of the heatwave and Wimbledon starting (I think NBC only airs the finals, right?). But, it seems strange that CS and EE did reasonably well, and HO and Neighbours were back in the 800k, but ED went down. It'll be interesting to see how it goes for the rest of the week.

^ That's what the woman who played Inez was famous for?!

Rakesh took a photo of the test results, scanned it on to his laptop, made a copy, and edited it to read Adam is the father, instead of Kirin. I think that is highly plausible to achieve. What I found less plausible was the excuse they came up with to allow Priya to cover up the lie. She was way too level headed to be real. A small white lie to David about her eating disorder so she could keep Amba in town, and suddenly she's comparing her actions to Rakesh's, which has turned loads of people's lives upside down, not to mention is the contributing factor in Victoria mowing down Ashley that has left him suffering debilitating seizures. Yeah, so comparable. I know they wanted to drag out the secret for longer, but I'm sure it could have been done better.

The Brennan brothers' father has been cast, and he'll be played by Russell Kiefel. Russell Brennan will be revealed to have physically abused Tyler. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a655527/neighbours-to-introduce-russell-brennan-for-domestic-violence-plot.html#~ph6Wji5We1DztO Carl, I think it was you who said the Brennan brothers remind you of the Ford brothers from OLTL, and I can totally see that in terms of their aversion to shirts, and now they too, have an abusive father, just like the Fords did, right?

Are the remaining 3 soaps in any danger of cancellation? Or was it just VL that was struggling? I kinda think they missed the boat on these releases. The time to release soap box-sets was during the hight of their popularity, not over a decade later when soap ratings have taken a tumble for the worst. Sales were always going to struggle. But, I give the German companies props for even trying, as no-one else has.

No, that's what fans call them, b/c it's such a boring, dull triangle that no-one cares about, with a lead female who's so bland she can't even drive her own story. Yet, no matter who's in charge, they continue to try to make her work, despite most fans hating the character.

No real surprise to learn that Carol is going. Makes sense why they chose to get rid of Liam. They already stated that LC only re-signed with the show last year specifically for the cancer story, otherwise she would have left with David, who would have only stayed for 2 episodes originally. I think this was the time to also say buh-bye to Sonia, who has completed her role within the cancer story, and doesn't really need to stick around for the long term. But, sadly that isn't happening. I guess the Jackson/Butcher house will now only consist of Sonia/Tina/Whitney and probably Lee, eventually. How dull.

Some more new cast shots. Photo 1: Alan Fletcher (Karl Kennedy). 2: Kip Gamblin (Brad Willis). 3: Kate Kendall (Lauren Turner), Kip Gamblin, and Rebekah Elmaloglou (Terese Willis). 4: Zoe Cramond (Amy Williams). 5: Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson). 6: Tim Phillipps (Daniel Robinson), Olympia Valance (Paige Smith), Ariel Kaplan (Imogen Willis), Harley Bonner (Josh Willis) and Jenna Rosenow (Amber Turner). 7, 8 and 9: The Torturous Triangle - Harley Bonner, Jenna Rosenow and Tim Phillipps.

I get where you're coming from Carl, but I think it's realistic for some parents to feel that way when their kid (or whomever) gets a life changing disease; they automatically go into pity-party mode, blaming themselves, saying it's a punishment, why me, etc, etc. I think it makes sense for Dean to feel that way, as he's beginning to consciously acknowledge what he did to Linda. And, Shirley always victimises herself, anyway, so nothing new here. But, what this kind of writing needs is for someone to say that's a load of bullcrap, and slap them back to reality. Sadly, other characters usually indulge them in this line of thinking, b/c it's tragic and emotional. I wasn't completely paying attention to those scenes, but I do think Shirley and Buster as supposed to be the same age. I just can't take any more Shirley pity-parties. I get it: Shirley's had an awful life, the worst anyone could ever have - like, ever. Now, give her some development before she reaches 80! Watching those scenes of Roxy and Dean reminded me of the time they briefly included Lola in this story. I felt like Roxy was in the role that was originally intended for Lola, but they realised Roxy had nothing to do so threw her in with Dean. It's a damn shame DTC ever thought the rape story was a good idea. Dean could have been a great character, one that could have lasted many years on the show, but due to the ill-conceived rape plot, it means he has an expiry date. Matt said he was originally contracted to the end of the rape story, but they asked him to re-sign for the Roya story, and that the rape story will resume at some point. I think it all sounds a like a bit of mess, and ill-thought out. At this point, they can't really make Dean a viable character for the long-term, as right now I'm struggling to have any feelings for Dean at all - I can't revel in his misery, and I can't sympathise with him, either. Home and Away is the only other soap (outside of US soaps) to keep a rapist on for many years and make him one half of a popular couple. But that story wasn't without its detractors, and was in fact very controversial. I don't think EE could pull that off with Dean and survive the backlash.

I just liked that for once a character who owns the house actually had the guts to stay in it. So many times on soaps, characters are told to leave their own house by the wronged party, which always seems odd to me. I'm on Team Shabnam with this, but if she didn't want to be around Mas, then it was her responsibility to move out, not dictate to the one paying the mortgage. Predicted or insider-info, Tim? I think I'm going to have to pay closer attention to your posts.

I just wish they would allow Shirley to develop - just a bit. Have her make a decision that shows she's learning from past mistakes, growing as a character. I know no-one on the show develops at all, but still. It would have been nice if she told Mas, and left it in his hands. I just feel this story could be written so much better than what it is; it relies too much on contrived set-up and shock and awe cliffhangers to move the plot along. You were right about her keeping it secret. And, of course she turns up drunk. I said to my dad that someone must have a lot of fun making her look as awful as possible, b/c I swear her hair gets worse and worse by the episode. Also, why does any one of the Masoods bother inviting the "Muslim community" to any of their events? They always turn into an embarrassment. Is it just me, or has the "Muslim community" turned into a bit of a joke? Nowadays it just consists of witchy Bushra and a random imam to poor scorn and judge and be totally shocked. I'm sure that aspect had more depth in their early days. I'm confused about who knows/knew what about the baby. If that's the last we'll see of Fatima, then that's a shame. Why wasn't she at the engagement party? I guess she won't be attending the wedding. Nina Wadia recently completed a 5-week guest stint on Holby City, and she said that she's not the reason for no Zainab. In fact, she's said that a couple of times within the last year. She's open to a return, but the show hasn't called her. That Ronnie/Roxy scene was good. They need to write for them like that more often. Also, I wouldn't be open to a Grant recast, as I just don't think they'd get it right. Ross Kemp brought a certain something to the role that I just don't think they'd find again working opposite Phil. But, I would be open to a Michelle recast, as it has been years. Now is not the right time, though. Interesting about the Linda Bellingham/Carol stuff. I can't imagine her as Carol, but I can see why they considered her.

Sorry Tim about the future nightmares. But just think: a Shirley spin-off would have meant no Shirley, meaning no Carters being introduced to the main show. Of course she will; b/c that's what sane people would do. I can understand Shirley not wanting to tell Dean, but to not even confide in Mas is dumb. I hope this doesn't happen. Isn't Cystic Fibrosis something that happens from birth? So, Fatima should have known. Unless, she gave the baby away pretty soon after her birth, and before she got sick. I'm actually surprised Fatima didn't give her to an Asian family to raise, as I would have thought that would've been quite important to her. Also, where has Fatima disappeared to? I guess she went home, but she just disappeared randomly. I thought she was going to stay to help plan Shabnam's wedding, clash with Carmel, and flirt with Mas (she did say she may have picked the wrong brother...).

The writing was on the wall with Lola. I think it's a waste, but it was obvious DTC had no time for the character or her connections to the Square. Now, he can stop ignoring the elephant in the room that is Ben being Lexi's father, as she'll no longer be around. Plus, Billy can go back to being isolated, again. It really is all about rehashing and regressing with DTC. I think they've struggled to write for the teens/20 something groups, which are kinda drifting aimlessly. I hope Jay is not the next to leave. Do not freak me out, people! As for that cliffhanger: Shirley barges in a stranger's home, calling out to a kid she's never even met, "I'm your grandma", only to get this: "She's not Jade. I am". It was too unrealistically staged in that melodramatic theatrical way that DTC loves. Such contrived nonsense to shoehorn Shirley in, and to remind us of how much she has suffered, and will undoubtedly have to make up for her past mistakes. Shirley should have had her own bloody spin-off and spared us all.

It's a BTS video, with no spoilers at all. But, it's made for Channel 5, so I guess they UK'd it only. It's dumb, and makes no real sense.

But how would they realistically pull that off? I called Charity being pregnant before the episode aired, and I was disappointed to be right. They've been there done this story before with Noah - born in prison with a who's the daddy? question hanging over his head. At least they acknowledged this, bust still... I'm not sure I like Charity having another baby, as I think it's a bit lazy, but they could win me over if the story is interesting - if Declan, Cain or Ross is the daddy, then not very interesting. If Ross is the dad, that will be super soapie.

I've been trying to figure out why Masood would even think it was a good idea to inform Shirley that Roya is alive. I believe he would have issue with the lie itself, but I think believing Dean is a rapist would be enough to keep him from involving Shirley. It's a plot device for sure, and a lazy one at that. I don't think it damages Mas' character, as they're presenting him as being noble and righteous with his decision, despite his motivation being a bit of a mystery. I think they couldn't figure out how to involve Shirley and Co., so they came up with this nonsense. Anyhow, apart from that, this story has shown the Masoods can carry the show when given the opportunity. It's been so good having Carter free weeks, lately (I don't miss them at all), even we have been dumped on by the awful Ronnie/Charlie/Roxy triangle (Charlie is a no personality bore, and Ronnie can do way better), and the equally awful Ian/Jane/Cindy story. Speaking of Jane: seeing her with Mas again, reminded me of what a better character she was with him. It's such a shame that 2015 has ruined her character.