And really, outside of Sonia and Bradley, Dot was never that close to any of Jim's family, so I never really bought her with the Branning's. She's not a character rooted in any particular family, she's rooted more in the community of the show.

I cringed a few months ago when Max told Lauren to call her grandma. While I can understand it as a sign of respect, but when have Lauren and Dot ever been close?

On the topic of grandchildren, I don't understand why in recent years they've tried to say that Bradley is Jim's favorite grandchild. While I don't like her, if anyone was/is his favourite, it would be Sonia, she was basically more like his daughter than granddaughter anyway.

Here's a small clip of Polly and June together:

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NDnM0uBhn3A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Edited May 27, 201114 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

I wouldn't have recognized June.

Polly reminds me of Bev Callard for some reason.

Today's episode was written by Daran Little, and he did not disappoint. Very good episode overall.

Nina and Nitin's scenes today should be used as their acting reels for next years awards. Those scenes were the best yet in their story.

I even found enjoyment out of the Christian and Syed scenes today, as they had plenty of depth to them with Christian feeling insecure about Syed and Zaniab reconciling.

I'm loving Lydia's interactions with the square. That brief exchange with Pat, Janine, and Ricky outside of the Vic was refreshing as we don't seem them as a family unit (Pat is usually absent) very often these days. Then Lydia stopping by in a car and referring to Pat's hooking days upon seeing her on the street corner, ROFL Poor Pat cannot escape the digs about her hooker past.

ETA: When Tanya and Greg's relationship inevitably explodes, crashes and burns, I wouldn't mind Greg looking in Kim's direction. I kind of sensed some chemistry between the two.

ETA: When Tanya and Greg's relationship inevitably explodes, crashes and burns,

I just hope when that does happen, they keep Stefan Booth. He's just so pretty. We can't lose that. It would be unethical.

Edited May 27, 201114 yr by Amello

They seem to get rid of most of their new characters very quickly (or just leave them standing around doing nothing) but I hope Greg stays. That would provide more consequences for the inevitable Tanya/Max reunion, and he is also way too hot to get rid of - the show isn't big in eye candy now.

They seem to get rid of most of their new characters very quickly (or just leave them standing around doing nothing) but I hope Greg stays. That would provide more consequences for the inevitable Tanya/Max reunion, and he is also way too hot to get rid of - the show isn't big in eye candy now.

Agreed, and it's a trend that I find a bit bothersome.

Here's a trailer of David Essex's arrival on the square.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a321944/eastenders-watch-the-eddie-moon-trailer.html

Speaking of that, I was wondering about the spoilers for the next few weeks

that suggest Masood and Phil team up against Yusef (Phil is a bit random, but then he never needs a reason to hate someone), and Yusef is found dead? Are they really killing Yusef off already? It's kind of a waste. Or is he faking his death?

Ace said his contract expires in late June I believe, but he thinks and hopes to extend it. So he's still taping, so I don't know how much is in those spoilers.

Edited May 28, 201114 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

I wish Dot would visit Ethel's grave again, like she did the day she married Jim.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/y9d7o15M4tc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I like that the show has never had Dot forget about Ethel and what that friendship meant to her.

Edited May 29, 201114 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

That Zainab/Masood scene on Friday's episode is going to go in my very very exclusive section for Favorite Eastenders Scenes of All Time. Nina and Nitin are beyond superb together. I couldn't stop watching the part with <SLAP> YUSEFHASDONENOTHING!!!! And the look on his face, the pain and shock in his eyes...

I'm watching Friday's episode tonight...can't wait! I took a little break (it just sort of happened ), but I'm finally back in the loop.

When in the world is Ronnie hitting the bricks? I'm ready for her to leave.

Looks like Eddie Moon will be Carol's love interest.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3608229/David-Essex-will-get-together-with-Carol-Jackson-on-EastEnders.html

Funny, I thought Eddie was more from Pat's generation than Carol's, unless Carol is going for older men these days...

Looks like Eddie Moon will be Carol's love interest.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/3608229/David-Essex-will-get-together-with-Carol-Jackson-on-EastEnders.html

Funny, I thought Eddie was more from Pat's generation than Carol's, unless Carol is going for older men these days...

Interesting, that's why they included Carol in David Essex's trailer for the show.

Interview with David Essex. Looks like he might not be around for long.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a322231/david-essex-eddie-moon-eastenders.html