LondonScribe

I wonder if you may have stumbled across Y&R’s next Head Writer in waiting (possibly with Christopher Whitesell)? Unless either or both are retired. They both fall into the ‘experienced/recycled’ category favoured. There are suitable (and new) voices within the existing team, but TPTB seem reluctant to promote from within.

Given what has been discussed specifically about Josh Griffith (his name on the ‘marquee’ as it were) and the conclusion drawn about his evident inability to tell stories/Head Write, what were the ingredients that made his first collaboration with Michael Malone over at One Life To Live work so well?

In the relatively brief time I’ve been watching GH, one thing that has stuck out is Carly’s character being loud, obnoxious (under the guise of being some kind of Mama Bear) and pretty much always getting away with ‘overpowering’ everyone, knowing she’ll end up on top. In my opinion, that kind of predictability doesn’t make for a relatable or sympathetic character, especially when she’s not meant to be a villain, as determined by the writers. So when Carly yet again skated it in relation to Nelle’s death (even when the truth she hid came out) showing very little sympathy for Nina’s situation, then threatening to get in the way of a relationship with Wiley, I’d hoped she would be proven wrong and that her attempts to meddle would backfire. So imagine my frustration now the writers appear to have portrayed Carly as being right again 🤦🏿‍♂️ And in a way Nina may not be able to skate herself.

That would be amazing, but daytime soaps seem to be one of the remaining bastions of older attitudes, as well as SONY and CBS.

Eventually, everyone is sacrificed at the altar of Victor Newman. He might end up being Eric Braeden’s 80th Birthday special storyline. I jest, of course.

Did a quick search (I should be asleep, it’s 3:40am where I am 🤦🏿‍♂️) and if it’s the same Susan Banks who used to be with TV One, this may turn out to be rather interesting... The Susan Banks previously associated with TV One has a wealth of experience writing... and Executive Producing. As in a LOT of experience. If it’s one and the same, then may I cheekily (and unrealistically) throw out there that it may be squeaky bum time at the studio?

This Monday’s Y&R (March 1st) is written by someone named Susan Banks (no, not that one 🤣) Anything known?

When I was much younger, I couldn’t get into any of the ABC soaps or into Emmerdale. The ABC soaps because I was raised on Y&R and tonally, production, writing, and sound-wise, they were just so different. Emmerdale because it looked so different to anything I was familiar with, as a London council estate kid, and I found it quite dreary. I’d like to think I’m a bit more aware of what I should have been paying attention to and what I note now.

Once the brief novelty of seeing Don Diamont (nudge, nudge, wink, wink dialogue included) on Y&R again wore off, it was back to half watching as the show carried on.

One of the most harrowing and powerful storylines of 2018, Aidan Connor’s suicide. As said, done without providing any details but relying on on the raw reactions of the other characters. This was treated very sensitively at the time, with what amounted to a ‘trigger warning’ ahead of time, contrary to usual efforts to hide spoilers. Similar to the recent warning given about the Eastenders domestic abuse murder. You can find the episode online featuring his last day, but below is the episode featuring the discovery and aftermath. The now famous speech from Gail that has been referenced:

That wasn’t lost on me, either 🤣

Amen.

I primarily think it’s because the powers that be are content with the show just pottering along. Acceptance that the show (and genre) isn’t what it was, but the viewership isn’t totally in the toilet. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if nobody wants the gig. Or at least anyone the studios would want. Could be wrong, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Head Writers of the remaining soaps (Carlivati, O’Connor/Van Etten, even Bradley Bell) are the only people the studio would make a change for, if they left those shows and became available/interest. And yes, I’ve missed Sally Sussman and Kay Alden’s writing ever since they left. Mal Young was a poor fit for the show and sadly, some of his production ticks have remained. And we know about how things are now.

The Australian soap Neighbours is in the midst of a story where the men in a same-sex marriage are in the early stages of a pregnancy via a surrogate. The thing is the young woman who is carrying their child is a relative newcomer and trouble. And I fully anticipate she will fall for the child and cause them no end of grief for the couple if she carries to term and gives birth. I don’t think she will simply hand it over and let them be the primary carers as currently agreed. So if these Mariah anvils land where it is thought they will, it has the potential to be an interesting and complex storyline if told compellingly..... I repeat, if told compellingly.

It’s amazing. Out of all the shows and their producers, Iain MacLeod was the one with the lowest standing, off the back of his rather bland period in charge of Emmerdale. And now, at the end of 2020, Coronation Street is arguably in the strongest position of the 4. Just goes to show.

This is the EXACT point I made when news of their casting was announced, and for the same reason. And this was with the knowledge that they are recurring. I guess the real test will be if one or both of them are put on contract.

Pure speculation on my part but does anyone think this particular story has the hand/guidance of Susan Dansby over it? She was previously very good when it came to writing authentically for the Winters and was usually given the episodes to write where they would feature somewhat prominently.

Bringing it over here again for a second. Eastenders for a period were very good at returns of legendary characters, though in many cases, the long term stories weren’t all successes. It can’t be overstated the excitement in 2005 when this happened. Since 1990, the Mitchell Brothers added a new dynamic to Albert Square and drove much of the action and drama up until 1999 when Ross Kemp, portrayer of younger brother Grant, decided to move on. Phil, played by Steve McFadden, decided to take some time off in 2003 and, save for a short cameo, stayed away until 2005. Their on-screen mother, Peggy, played by recently departed Dame Barbara Windsor, was being terrorised by local gangster, Johnny Allen and sent a goon out to harm her. When the end of this clip occurred, the there were yells of joy. Literally.

Genuine question for anyone who cares to answer... I referenced it in passing last month, but I’ll delve little deeper. There’s an attachment to Charlie around these parts. Is it to do with the new dynamic he brings to existing characters, the talent of the actor (forgive me for not remembering his name) or is it driven by his looks? (I.e, if he was the same character, acted the same way but he wasn’t being crushed on, would there be the same clamour to get around the writing to keep him?) I ask because his (initial) arc seems to be defined, and set in stone, with a beginning, middle and end, but it is being received as an affront to some of the viewers, who feel he’s being ruined.

I did a double take when I saw that John Bishop is joining the show. I don’t recall seeing him act before, but he’s got decent screen presence, is handsome (pretty widely accepted, though I suspect that won’t matter on the show 😉) and has a certain charisma. For those who don’t know, he’s a stand up comedian by ‘trade’ and has a very pronounced Liverpool accent. I do think his character will speak slower than perhaps John Bishop does normally. Certainly no Jamie Carragher or Conor Coady vibes here. Look them up...

That is true. Brian Park’s tenure seemed like an attempt to keep up with Eastenders and Brookside in the ‘drama’ and sensationalism, which increased the ratings initially, but as was said, ripped the heart (or certain something) out of the show that has never been truly restored. Jane McNaught’s tenure did even more damage, by going for the throat, with Alma’s death and Toyah’s rape. Though the latter does happen in life, it seemed to be told in such a ham-fisted, jarring way. British soaps have a tendency to do that. Throwing out the baby with the bath water.

I watched the Eastenders Christmas Day episode- the first full episode in a long, long time, and oh Lordy. What a s*** show! I thought Kate Oates sensibilities would suit the show, but it looks like her worst instincts are more prominent here than at Emmerdale Coronation Street. But the biggest culprit (in my view) is Jon Sen. I wasn’t fond of his work on Casualty (really making background music a feature of the series and playing with a few production techniques), and remember being surprised when he was made EP of Eastenders, especially as I’m sure he was not a producer on the previous show. A few people I’ve spoken to believe Jon Sen’s rapid ascension up the ranks is identity and class politics at work, due to the fact he is Indian and is a graduate of the University of Cambridge. I’m not so cynical, mind you. One thing I do agree on is the Fox family should take a bow. Denise and Chelsea were powerful and Diane Parrish is a force of nature. Lucas is not a changed man, that’s for sure. There were enough anvils dropped in this episode alone that I think subtlety, nuance and some compelling beats will be missing from this story. I’m predicting he will kill or be killed by Anniversary week.

It’s a pretty fun video, though it is ever so slightly ‘spoilery’. And I’m watching at Australian pace as well.

It’s an odd one. They’ve been saying for a large part of the year that Adam Woodyatt is taking a break from the show but very recently, I’ve started to think that the information being released is a red herring and that Ian is in fact being killed off. If he is, either Woodyatt has decided he’s wanted a change (because unlike the other ‘episode one’ originals, Letitia Dean and Gillian Taylforth, who have both had extended periods away from the show, AW has, more consistently been there for all 35 years) or Jon Sen/Kate Oates are making a VERY bold statement and writing him out.

William Roache has played Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, almost continuously, since Episode 1 on December 9th 1960. His only soap role. I think he’s still in the Guinness World Records as the longest serving male television star in a continuous role.