EastEnders: Discussion Thread

[DRW50]

This type of thing is why I'm glad for the producer change, although I know this may be that Collins guy, not Santer, and Kirkwood may do the same stuff when he arrives. Anyway, it's just a cheat.

[Ann_SS]

Why is EastEnders doing this to one of their most talented leading men? I swear, soaps on both sides of the Atlantic are determined to self-destruct. There is nothing we fans can do to stop these producers and headwriters. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and think that the actor is already planning to leave, but this feels like violence for violence sake.

[DRW50]

I think it's shock value. The show is willing to sacrifice characters for a ratings boost, or more press attention. Lucas could have been a long-term character, especially with his conflicts between religion and his more violent impulses, but instead they just make him a knockoff of Richard Hillman.

The woman who played Yolande Trueman complained about her firing, and how they dumped her as soon as they brought in several other black cast members, like they felt they'd filled their quota. Given the shoddy way they've treated Lucas, and the even worse way that his ex, Trina, and Bradley's girlfriend, Syd, were treated, I can see her point.

[Y&RWorldTurner]

http://www.heralddeparis.com/eastender-clements-leaves-soap/63109

Edited November 13, 2009 by Y&RWorldTurner

[DRW50]

I'll miss him, he was a very underrated actor (and quite attractive - I like redheads). He was great during the Stax reveal. They never gave him much of a chance.

[Toups]

Oh cool, Bryan Kirkwood is the new EP??! Sweet! I will definitely tune in to see what he does with EE. I guess I should start watching now in anticipation of BK's arrival. Santer is stepping down in February, and I'm assuming that's off screen.....so when will Santer's material end/BK's material start?

[Sylph]

From DigitalSpy:

[DRW50]

She certainly has a lot of power over her character.

I don't see the point of special stories or appearances once she's gone. I guess she could show up for weddings or whatever but none of the Mitchells who are left on the show seem likely to have interesting relationships or weddings.

[jfung79]

I love it that she will be back for special appearances! I disagree that there's no point in her coming back occasionally. I see it as kind of like how Ethel would come back to visit Dot -- those were such warm fuzzy moments.

[DRW50]

I liked those, but I don't see those types of relationships with Peggy and the dead end Mitchells. I guess there's still Pat.

[jfung79]

I guess it just comes down to for me, I can't see how it's ever pointless for a mother to visit her child, no matter how strained the relationship.

Aren't we always complaining on American soaps about how so-and-so's obscure mother (far less central a figure than Peggy Mitchell) didn't show up for their funeral, engagement, wedding, or when they were having a bad time?

Edited November 22, 2009 by jfung79

[DRW50]

The main difference here for me is that the Mitchells have just been so played out as characters, or I don't care about their relationships enough to where I need to see her return. Phil has been married four or five times, and all of those relationships have ended badly. His last wife abused his son and committed suicide on their wedding day! If Peggy skipped the next wedding, I'd understand.

Since Sam is gone, Peggy's only other relatives are Roxy, who is not worth bringing anyone back for, and Ronnie, who has such mental problems I can't see her settling down anytime soon. And Billy, but Peggy has never seen him as one of the family.

Eastenders hasn't had a problem keeping some characters away in the past (we see nothing of Sharon now, even though Tish Dean has said she wouldn't mind a return).

I don't see a point for Peggy, or most of the Mitchell family, now.

Keep Ronnie, dump the rest.

[YRBB]

I'm just watching July episodes, but it's plain that Syd has GOT to die!

Don't tell me if she does, I wish for her to die an unexpected, painful death!

[Sylph]

[jfung79]

"Sensational" makes me think they're killing him off. Boo.