Do you like Shirley Carter?
She has appeared in more episodes than anyone else this year, is this justified? Why do people like her character? Why do others hate her?
Has the addition of her backstory and family improved the popularity of this character or just made it worse?
Discuss.
Has the addition of her backstory and family improved the popularity of this character or just made it worse?
Discuss.
0
Comments
I look forward to her finding out about Dean though, her support of Dean is holding her back - although I do understand why she does. Last year, Shirley was popular and she is well liked when away from Dean - I think the story has affected her a bit, but once resolved it will be fine.
How is she multilayered? She comes on, snarls abuse at people and that's basically it. I see no depth from her.
Shirley's a character who has always had a split opinion on here, used to be roughly half and half in terms of those who like her and those who don't. I was just wondering whether that was still the case.
Linda Henry is a good actress though. She makes me want to like her character. I just can't - and I love a good flawed anti-hero usually. There's just absolutely nothing heroic about her.
Linda's acting ability and her delivery at comic lines are the reasons for her popularity in my view. but the character of Shirley is so badly written and comes across with south malice towards others that I struggle to find anything likeable about her.
It didn't come across as though she was avenging Heather, it seemed like she was profiting from Heathers death. She didn't even treat Heather well when she was alive, she used her when it suited her.
My thoughts exactly...
I didn't need to be psychic to know I'd see this:D
I meant that episode where she found out and stuck his head in the bog! I have to confess I only saw bits of her with Ev as I wasn't watching much of 08-12. I think over exposure has done her few favours. But that would be the same for any character.
It goes without saying almost ;-) that the rewriting of her back story so she can take centre stage with the family of the moment is just sick making.
If they left her as a gin soaked tragic figure never to be loved just shouting obscenities from the gutter at passers by I might have been able to tolerate her but in trying to make her a bigger character they have ruined her by exposing how lacking the character of Shirley actually is.
I hope one day we get a producer who treats her like crud so she gets fed up and leaves. It nearly happened under Lorraine Newman
Glorious will be the show with Shirley!
Within that, my answer is that I love linda henry's portrayal, i always find her acting top notch and she makes me feel sympathy (even when i'd rather not) and I find Shirley an 'interesting' character. But 'like' her - no. Never have.
For the record, my answer for Phil, David Wicks, max Branning or Ian would be very similar.
I agree ;-)
I dislike the character, but wouldn't want her written out either which is contradictory, but she's my love to hate character - I know that when she's on screen 9 times out of 10 we know she's being terrible.
BIB That's a fair assessment Kat. I love watching Shirley but I rarely approve of her. That doesn't stop her being one of the most fascinating characters in the show though
IMO there has never been anyone quite like her, and that's down to the excellence of Linda Henry.
Was she really that popular lasst year before the rape?
My recollection is that whilst many (including me) were really glad that they had finally introduced famiiy and given Henry more to do than sniff around after Phil, we were still pissed off wiith her general attitude and actions such as emotionally blackmailing mick into giving her a third of the Vic, getting at Linda, sniding at sharon every chance she got, still running to Phil for money, having double standards about attacking Ben n first sight in such a way as he could have hit his head (as Heather did) and finally cheating with Phil and loving rubbing Sharon's nose in it in the weeks running up to the wedding, ruining the wedding and starting waving aa gun around. All that was before Dean raped Linda.
I'm not saying there weren't people that loved her last year but it was far from universal.
Like everything good DTC creates he then goes on to try and destroy it!
You all know I love Shirley but do I think we've seen a positive year for Shirley then my answer would be no. I feel DTC has reverted Shirley backwards to be honest.
I much prefer Shirley with Mick rather than with Dean and I much preferred Shirley with Phil than with Buster.
I loved the Carters, they were so refreshing. DTC really messed up having Dean rape Linda, this move obliterated the family as a whole and the consequences are now that ALL the Carters as characters are now weak. I think they were a very strong positive family for EE BEFORE Dean raped Linda and now I think the only way to strengthen the family again is to kill off Dean Wicks.
I love Phil Mitchell too, all the people who behave like reasonable people on the square are dull. The more despicable they are the better.
Ben Mitchell is rapidly rising up the list as well ;-)
BIB Yes.
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1991130
She ended in 5th place.
The rape s/l has really dragged her down.