Ben

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?!

Other questions -

2. What DNA results did Rakesh change ? And how was that even possible?

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?

Thanks. It's too bad they didn't have higher sales. I guess DVD sales are fading everywhere.

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 agree that Masood has behaved appallingly for weeks but still--it's HIS house.

Well, as i predicted here many moons ago, Paul Nicholas has been cast as Gavin, Kathy's husband and, most likely, Sharon's "real" dad.

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 take your point, Ben, but I do think, for dramatic purposes, she won't tell Mas, Buster or Dean anything about Jade/Roya for weeks.

Forget about Fatima now, didn't SHABNAM know about her baby? That would explain her seemingly over the top reaction whenever the subject of Roya was brought up.

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.

I saw someone on DS post a few weeks ago that they met Nina Wadia after a play and she told them that if they wanted Zainab back, to write to the show, because it was the show's choice not to bring her back. If true, that's a shame, as this story would be a lot more interesting with her.

The Roxy/Ronnie scene was probably the only good scene in the whole episode.

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.

For some reason, something my gut is telling me that the kid isn't even Charity's to begin with.

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.

Oh, wow, I didn't realize, Carl.

I hate those country restrictions that networks and broadcasters place on their videos.

Behind-the-scenes of... behind-the-scenes!

It's a really fun and interesting look at some of the areas that fans never see or know about. Would be cool if other soaps could do something similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWZ1ObFbiyo&feature=youtu.be

Amy Williams' arrival promo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIid1H2TNA8

Aaron Brennan's arrival promo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqGqLBtRfgQ

Terese/Brad/Lauren promo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwoCETN8J8o

Brax's exit promos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3TBVfn6SNc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIX6rJWmE74

I also watch because of so many fascinating things that are alien over here, especially the on-air announcers and closedowns.

Mike Parr has some hilarious Instagram videos up where he scares the [!@#$%^&*] out of Adam Thomas (who has a good singing voice...). He screams loudly so you may want to turn your volume down.

https://instagram.com/mikeparr226/

When I was a kid, I thought every country had continuity announcers and end credit voice-over commentary. Then I noticed how Americans were taken by the end credit commentary on Sunset Beach and, it clicked. I know that in the US you used to have a voice-over talking about what was up next, or what was on in prime-time, which was done in a serious, straight-up tone. Obviously, now you don't even have end credits. I also never realized that a lot of countries don't have channel idents the same way we do, so I can appreciate how these things are probably interesting to you - much like how I love watching promos and stuff from other countries to see how they do things differently, like the US, Australia and New Zealand.

I should have listened to you about the volume. Man, Adam Thomas' scream is high pitched! He could burst ear drums with that screech. LOL

I don't really know what they want us to feel about the Ian/Jane/Cindy story. They force-feed us the aspect of Cindy feeling ignored and never listened to, but then they make Ian and Jane as unlikeable as possible. I don't get it, and I feel like they don't either. The tone is all wrong. What would be better is if Ian could have some development and stubble upon the ability to self assess, realizing that he's making the same mistakes over and over with Cindy, Lucy, Peter, et al. Jane would be the unreasonable one, b/c covering for Bobby and moving Lucy's body has taken its toll on her, making Ian attempt to be reasonable.

I think another aspect of this story that just isn't believable is how calmly Ian and Jane have dealt with Bobby murdering his sister; I find that really creepy and weird. Ian should have way more issues with what Jane did than he does. Think of the drama that could have come from this that hasn't. I really wanted Cindy to tell Carol everything, and seeing as speculation is that Max will go down for the murder, I hope that Cindy spills everything eventually to Carol.

I don't like how Abi is an afterthought, and in fact a joke. But then Abi should know better - she is being incredibly stupid right now and kinda deserves to get hurt for ignoring all of neon signs flashing in front of her eyes. IA about Ben/Jay; they work really well together. If this was HO, Jay would so turn gay for Ben.

I hope there is a twist with Les/Claudette, b/c it couldn't be any less believable than an affair.

Thanks Carl. I don't know if you've noticed this, but every avatar I've had has been of departing characters (before it was announced they were leaving (bar the Sunset Beach ones)), so I thought I'd buck that thread slightly, and wave the flag for one of the greatest couples to grace ED before they split. Besides, I couldn't keep Peter Beale for ever - I like my avatars to represent current characters (again, bar SB).

I enjoyed the Fake Dad story, simply b/c it only last for 3 episodes. Sharon is pretty enjoyable when she's written like this. I also liked the explanation they gave for Phil's actions, and how out of his depth he felt visiting Notting Hill Dad. I was disappointed that Sharon didn't knock on the door, but I guess we have that to come.

I like Paul more than I thought I would. His scenes with Pam are nice, but Les really is awful. I just don't get what Claudette sees in him.

Ben's story feels like time hasn't moved at all. I'm trying to care, but Abi is a fool.

The Ian/Jane/Cindy/Beth story is the worst story ever. I never thought Ian and Jane could become any more unlikeable, and then they went and threw Cindy out with no money. They are so damn selfish and narcissistic about their need to adopt Beth - a baby that isn't even related to them. Jane just wants any old baby, and Ian wants a Lucy do-over. Cindy is a 16 y/o girl with abandonment issues, who needs love and support, and to feel like she belongs; she probably was hoping that they would treat her like a daughter, but instead they continue to treat her like trash. This should be about Cindy's needs, but instead they continue to show what awful parents they are. That social worker was not much better, either. This is unpleasant viewing, and not b/c it's supposed to be, but b/c their actions are abhorrent and the story is a mess. They've really done a hatchet job on Jane. The woman should have stuck with Masood, at least there she wouldn't have been so character assassinated.