EastEnders: Discussion Thread

[Skylover]

I think that's a good way of putting it. They just need to steer away from violence and murders for a few years, and focus on more simple drama.

[Vee]

I think what I'm responding to more in watching again is Michelle Collins' strong performance and the addition of Salmon, etc. But I get what you're saying, I remember the several hollow returns in recent years (Fake Michelle which we both endured, Mel Owen, etc.) and I questioned the need to resurrect Cindy. It's easy for EE to put on a showstopping episode or great performances from its talented cast even when the stories don't hold up or are repetitious. I remember thinking Cindy's actual return from the dead was way too tossed off and casual/campy, almost like a US soap. Whereas when they dared to bring Den back (again, unheard of at that time) it was treated deadly serious. I'm glad Collins is here, I just hope it doesn't end in how Janine was wasted among others.

[DRW50]

That makes sense. I see what you mean. I think I'm just too sour on EE's recent years to be impartial the way I should be.

[Skylover]

I feel like Charlie Brooks only really goes back for the pay check. Hopefully Michelle Collins will be more like Gillian Taylforth, and we see her stick around for good like Kathy has. Here's hoping anyway. I think they need to recast Anna though, I don't think she's working out. Now would be a good time for Cindy jr to return too, most likely recast.

That's understandable to be fair. Too much has gone wrong since 2010 and arguably there were problems even earlier. Killing off Cindy in 1998, Kathy in 2006, then later on the unnecessary deaths of people like Pat, Heather, Abi, Steven, Ronnie, Roxy etc, they're finally course correcting, but it's been an uphill battle. 

Chris Clenshaw has made some good decisions like bringing back Yolande, Lauren, Alfie etc. However, I feel he has also made some bad mistakes, the biggest of which for me is the Six storyline, which IMO has tarnished a lot of characters. I also think introducing another male branch of the Mitchells was a mistake, when I'd prefer female Mitchells. I hope they don't write off Sam, as there's a lot of potential with Kim Medcalf. She doesn't have to be there all the time if they don't feel Sam is needed as a regular. It's an uphill battle to get to pre 2010 level, but they've made good groundwork. I think they just need to do a few more things to get back on track, some of which includes less looking back and more looking forward, a reduction in violence and whodunnits, more new families and axing some existing ones (I'd say Panesars first out).

Edited December 29, 2024 by Skylover

[Chris B]

I absolutely crashed out when I saw the end of the Christmas episode with Cindy appearing dead. While I'm thankful she is alive, that is such a ridiculous way to handle the character. I've disliked a lot of the writing for her since she returned, particularly surrounding the fact that she wasn't around for her kids. As I recall it, this was some sort of witness protection thing so what do they expect? 

The Junior affair reveal was strong enough on it's own. Why did they have to throw in an attempted murder? She is a soap vixen, hardly someone worthy of being beat over the head with a shovel.

I feel like Eastenders had a strong 2023 but 2024 has felt very disjointed like they're just throwing anything to the wall and seeing what sticks. There is too much going on and it doesn't feel like it's that well thought out. We have some fantastic episodes here and there, but overall I have been disappointed.

I'm at a place now where I'm excited for the anniversary only because it means the new writers will be starting shortly. The show isn't in a terrible place but it definitely has room for improvement.

[MichaelGL]

I never watched the show when Nigel was on but having him back sharing scenes with Phil have been wonderful. 

[cassadine1991]

How long till the new EP debuts? Three months?

[Liberty City]

There is no definitive timeframe; all that's known is Chris Clenshaw will step-down in February 2025, so I suspect Ben Wadey's material will not be on-air until April/May, as I am pretty sure EastEnders maintains a four-to-six week tape-to-air schedule (aside from the winter months, which is said to be done twelve weeks in-advance).

[AMCOLTLLover]

They pulled it off! They managed to finally get Mister Kemp back for the anniversary!!!

Ross Kemp will be back as Grant! Let’s mother…ucking goooo! I loved his 90’s run with Tiffany so much

[Liberty City]

IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME, TOO!

[BetterForgotten]

Ross has returned for short stints before. Unless they plan to reunite Grant and Sharon (Grant has always maintained Sharon is his great love) and send them off for good, I don’t really see much use tbh.

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But I’m not watching the current incarnation of the show, so no idea what his [short] return would really add to. 

[Skylover]

I'm excited, but I'd be more excited if they did a clear-out and introduced an unrelated family to take the show forward. At least there's less deadwood than Coronation St though.

[detroitpiston]

Grant was always my favorite Mitchell so I’m excited he’ll be back and get to hang with Nigel too. Wish Sam would pop up as well since her last exit was so harsh with her and Phil.

2024 was not as strong as 2023 but I’ve still enjoyed the show consistently. This is by far the best soap currently on air for me

Cindy getting exposed on Christmas was great—especially when she told everyone off in The Vic—but the whole who hit her with a shovel mystery doesn’t excite me much. I’m just glad she’s not actually dead because she’s my favorite on the show. For now my bet is on Gina or Kojo being the culprit.

I’ve been liking Kathy’s scenes with the detective over the case and I’m hoping she ends up paired with him instead of Harvey.

Not sure why they have circled back to Ravi and Denise

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I liked him better with Priya and Chelsea. Jack and Denise had grown on me after he protected her during The Six storyline as well.

I am completely over Nish and his shenanigans and I still don’t care for Suki and Eve so I’m hoping this wedding mess puts a final end to the merry go round with these three. I read the new showrunner was a big part of the Panesars intro story and to that I say yikes

[MichaelGL]

Your thoughts about the show are exact the same for me. lol 

I can tell the show wants to make Denise and Jack endgame but I feel that the only reason we are revisiting Ravi and Denise is simply for plot(The Six and Nish revenge).

 

 

Edited January 1 by MichaelGL

[Skylover]

Oh dear