[Morgsie]

I made a complaint about the Michael/Jean Storyline and that I was appalled with how Jean is being made out to be the villain. Thank god Kat is involved and believes Jean.

Here is the response:

We’re sorry to hear that you have concerns about the Michael and Jean storyline, and that you feel the depiction of bi polar, as portrayed through Jean Slater, is unrealistic.

It’s important to note, first and foremost, that Jean Slater is not intended to be representative of everybody with bi polar disorder. We treat all of our characters as individuals, with their own sets of behaviours and opinions, and there's no suggestion that all of Jean's characteristics are linked to her condition.

Since Jean’s first appearance at the end of 2004, we have worked closely with - and sought guidance and advice from - a number of experts in the mental health field to ensure that we are as accurate as possible when it comes to Jean's bi polar, her medication, the impact it has on her and those around her, and attitudes and prejudices towards her. That said, however much research we do, she cannot represent everyone with the condition.

Michael has long been established as a ‘villain’, intent on destroying others for his own twisted motives. Regular viewers will remember that he set it up to look like Ronnie had snatched Tommy for a second time, and that he tried to ruin his father’s relationship with Carol by bribing Vanessa to seduce Eddie. The current storyline is completely in keeping with his character.
With Janine lording it over Michael that she’s exclusively bearing the cost of their wedding, Michael’s frustration over his inability to contribute is playing heavily on his mind, so when he learns about Jean’s lottery win, he spots an opportunity to exploit her and con her out of the money.

Jean’s trusting nature and Michael’s convincing business plan, makes for a lethal combination, and Michael succeeds in tricking Jean out of the money. The audience of course is aware that it’s Jean who is telling the truth, even when other characters doubt her, and they feel the anger and sense of injustice on Jean’s behalf. We the audience know, even if the other characters don’t, that Jean isn’t going mad as Michael wants them to think, and in Kat (who has recently returned) Jean has a powerful ally who believes in her...
Without giving too much away, we will eventually see the truth come to light, and Michael will have to face up to his actions.

Nevertheless, I acknowledge the strength of your complaint and I can assure you that I've registered your comments on our audience log.

This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are made available across the BBC.

[chebage1]

I dont get why people feel the need to complain over a story line ......

[dan2008]

Originally Posted by Morgsie

I made a complaint about the Michael/Jean Storyline and that I was appalled with how Jean is being made out to be the villain. Thank god Kat is involved and believes Jean.

Here is the response:

We’re sorry to hear that you have concerns about the Michael and Jean storyline, and that you feel the depiction of bi polar, as portrayed through Jean Slater, is unrealistic.

It’s important to note, first and foremost, that Jean Slater is not intended to be representative of everybody with bi polar disorder. We treat all of our characters as individuals, with their own sets of behaviours and opinions, and there's no suggestion that all of Jean's characteristics are linked to her condition.

Since Jean’s first appearance at the end of 2004, we have worked closely with - and sought guidance and advice from - a number of experts in the mental health field to ensure that we are as accurate as possible when it comes to Jean's bi polar, her medication, the impact it has on her and those around her, and attitudes and prejudices towards her. That said, however much research we do, she cannot represent everyone with the condition.

Michael has long been established as a ‘villain’, intent on destroying others for his own twisted motives. Regular viewers will remember that he set it up to look like Ronnie had snatched Tommy for a second time, and that he tried to ruin his father’s relationship with Carol by bribing Vanessa to seduce Eddie. The current storyline is completely in keeping with his character.
With Janine lording it over Michael that she’s exclusively bearing the cost of their wedding, Michael’s frustration over his inability to contribute is playing heavily on his mind, so when he learns about Jean’s lottery win, he spots an opportunity to exploit her and con her out of the money.

Jean’s trusting nature and Michael’s convincing business plan, makes for a lethal combination, and Michael succeeds in tricking Jean out of the money. The audience of course is aware that it’s Jean who is telling the truth, even when other characters doubt her, and they feel the anger and sense of injustice on Jean’s behalf. We the audience know, even if the other characters don’t, that Jean isn’t going mad as Michael wants them to think, and in Kat (who has recently returned) Jean has a powerful ally who believes in her...
Without giving too much away, we will eventually see the truth come to light, and Michael will have to face up to his actions.

Nevertheless, I acknowledge the strength of your complaint and I can assure you that I've registered your comments on our audience log.

This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are made available across the BBC.

Good response from the BEEB there and they are right. Not everyone with Bi polor acts the same.The acting and writing during this story had been fab. I feel sorry for Jean but hate Michael. I've started to shout at the TV now so feel involved with the story. Job done as far as i can see.

[fizzle90]

You were appalled at how someone was made out to be the villian in a Soap storyline, so much so that you had to complain to the BBC? Christ.

[Jayma]

Originally Posted by dan2008

Good response from the BEEB there and they are right. Not everyone with Bi polor acts the same.The acting and writing during this story had been fab. I feel sorry for Jean but hate Michael. I've started to shout at the TV now so feel involved with the story. Job done as far as i can see.

Totally agree, Dan.

[cobwebsoup]

It was only a storyline in a soap...
My aunt has bi-polar and is enjoying this storyline and the show in general. Do people complain when people are murdered or raped? It's only a fictional storyline lol...

[natejoseph09]

Seriously, the things people complain about...

[priscilla]

i loved the SL
what i found worse was when her family forced her to take the blame for benefit fraud, the conned her her into believing stacey called and was proud at what jean was gonna do
anyway i really love MM, the more psycho and evil he gets the more i like him
but i also like his sympathetic side
i have never complained about a soap SL or anything ive seen on tv
but BBC gave you a good.detalied response

[vald]

A good response. They obviously had a very clear idea of where they were going with this s/l.

[dee123]

Originally Posted by cobwebsoup

It was only a storyline in a soap...
My aunt has bi-polar and is enjoying this storyline and the show in general. Do people complain when people are murdered or raped? It's only a fictional storyline lol...

You bring up an excellent point.

[cobwebsoup]

Originally Posted by dee123

You bring up an excellent point.

Thankyou

[kitkat1971]

Originally Posted by priscilla

i loved the SL
what i found worse was when her family forced her to take the blame for benefit fraud, the conned her her into believing stacey called and was proud at what jean was gonna do
anyway i really love MM, the more psycho and evil he gets the more i like him
but i also like his sympathetic side
i have never complained about a soap SL or anything ive seen on tv
but BBC gave you a good.detalied response

BIB, I completely agree with that. Whist I'm not defending what Michael has been doing (and I do think that some of Jean's behaviour in this has been stupid and morally questionable - one thing using her own money, quite another taking her employers without their express approval and consent - even if she did think she was doing it for the best), he has no ties or loyalty to Jean whatsoever, she is a mark.

Mo Harris, however, was a member of her family, somebody that knows her and is supposed to be looking out for her as a member of her extended family and she used her name and illness to defraud the DSS, and as such steal from Jean herself. Then, Kat and Alfie conspired to guilt Jean into taking the blame as it would mean a prison term for Mo. indicating clearly where their main loyalties lay. Good, she should have gone to prison, she deserved to go to prison. Her 'loving' familys treatment of her was much worse in my opinion, especially as it definately triggered her last relapse (thinking Shenice was an angel) and makes it so much easier for everyone else in the community to believe that she is a common thief and loopy - something Michael has been able to play on.

I think it is important to realise that Jean has an individual personality of her own aside from the bi-polar, she is naturally naive and somewhat childlike I think. I don't think Stacey would have been taken in by this even at her worst as if anything it made her more aggresive and mouthy - I think it is good they don't assume all people with mental illness will act the same.

[cliffy91]

Are you having a fecking laugh? how sad can people get

[Tesphen]

lol, OP clearly has a lot of time on his hands.

[vaslav37]

I think as viewers we have the right to complain...

like the fact that the EE website has been bombarded with complaints about Kat's upcoming affair..

well done Morgsie

[fizzle90]

Originally Posted by vaslav37

I think as viewers we have the right to complain...

..or just take it for what it is, a TV Programme?


You don't like how someone is being portrayed in a soap storyline, so much so that you feel the need to complain to the BBC? Do me a favour.

[Jayma]

Originally Posted by kitkat1971

BIB, I completely agree with that. Whist I'm not defending what Michael has been doing (and I do think that some of Jean's behaviour in this has been stupid and morally questionable - one thing using her own money, quite another taking her employers without their express approval and consent - even if she did think she was doing it for the best), he has no ties or loyalty to Jean whatsoever, she is a mark.

Mo Harris, however, was a member of her family, somebody that knows her and is supposed to be looking out for her as a member of her extended family and she used her name and illness to defraud the DSS, and as such steal from Jean herself. Then, Kat and Alfie conspired to guilt Jean into taking the blame as it would mean a prison term for Mo. indicating clearly where their main loyalties lay. Good, she should have gone to prison, she deserved to go to prison. Her 'loving' familys treatment of her was much worse in my opinion, especially as it definately triggered her last relapse (thinking Shenice was an angel) and makes it so much easier for everyone else in the community to believe that she is a common thief and loopy - something Michael has been able to play on.

I think it is important to realise that Jean has an individual personality of her own aside from the bi-polar, she is naturally naive and somewhat childlike I think. I don't think Stacey would have been taken in by this even at her worst as if anything it made her more aggresive and mouthy - I think it is good they don't assume all people with mental illness will act the same.

Great points.

Apparently

Spoiler

after it all comes out about Michael, and Jean is finally believed, she shocks Kat by telling her she doesn't think Michael's totally to blame. I hope at least part of her explanation for that is to point out it was easy for everyone to believe him, because her recent relapse was caused by Kat, Alfie and Mo pressurising her about taking the rap for the benefit fraud. So if she was easy pickings for her own family, no wonder Michael targeted her.

[VirginiaDem]

Originally Posted by kitkat1971

BIB, I completely agree with that. Whist I'm not defending what Michael has been doing (and I do think that some of Jean's behaviour in this has been stupid and morally questionable - one thing using her own money, quite another taking her employers without their express approval and consent - even if she did think she was doing it for the best), he has no ties or loyalty to Jean whatsoever, she is a mark.

Mo Harris, however, was a member of her family, somebody that knows her and is supposed to be looking out for her as a member of her extended family and she used her name and illness to defraud the DSS, and as such steal from Jean herself. Then, Kat and Alfie conspired to guilt Jean into taking the blame as it would mean a prison term for Mo. indicating clearly where their main loyalties lay. Good, she should have gone to prison, she deserved to go to prison. Her 'loving' familys treatment of her was much worse in my opinion, especially as it definately triggered her last relapse (thinking Shenice was an angel) and makes it so much easier for everyone else in the community to believe that she is a common thief and loopy - something Michael has been able to play on.

I think it is important to realise that Jean has an individual personality of her own aside from the bi-polar, she is naturally naive and somewhat childlike I think. I don't think Stacey would have been taken in by this even at her worst as if anything it made her more aggresive and mouthy - I think it is good they don't assume all people with mental illness will act the same.

BIB: It wasn't just that Big Mo would get a prison sentence, Kat specifically said, at the time, to Jean, "You've got to do this, because we've all got form."

Meaning that Big Mo, Alfie and Kat had all been in prison, and the authorities would take this even more seriously if any one of the three had admitted guilt over it. It also indicated that Jean and Alfie knew what Mo was doing. In fact, I'm sure they did, because when Mo proposed moving from the Slaters' house to the pub, she told Alfie and Kat that she would rent the house out, split the rent with them and keep the housing benefit.

They weren't just looking out for Big Mo, they were looking out for themselves and used Jean. And, yes, that's exactly what set off her bipolar episode.

[kitkat1971]

It is not something that I would personally do and I feel that the BBC's answer in this case is sufficient , but I do think that a viewer has every right to complain about a storyline, especially if they feel that it is portraying a member of a vulnerable sector of society like the severely depressed in a poor light and shouldn't be mocked for having done so.

After all, is it really that different to moaning about a plot on here, at least it is being addressed to the people that have some control over the show rather than just general whingeing.

[thejoyof_pat]

Originally Posted by kitkat1971

It is not something that I would personally do and I feel that the BBC's answer in this case is sufficient , but I do think that a viewer has every right to complain about a storyline, especially if they feel that it is portraying a member of a vulnerable sector of society like the severely depressed in a poor light and shouldn't be mocked for having done so.

After all, is it really that different to moaning about a plot on here, at least it is being addressed to the people that have some control over the show rather than just general whingeing.

I agree, if you want to moan have a moan and maybe the OP thought instead of coming on here they would go straight to the top. I have never put in a complaint about a SL before but I have given quiet a few episode praise when I felt they deserved them, just to let the cast and crew they efforts are completely wasted, so isn't it all swings and roundabouts?

[catsmeow]

Thank you OP for sharing your reply. I just phoned in my complaint and was told by the person that she would log in my complaint and thanked me.

[chocolatecake]

It could have been worse, they could have complained about the wall paper in the houses or why Phil's jag has magically converted itself into Range Rover..
Personally, if I was to complain about something I would have complained about how all her family made her go down for benefit fraud when it was Mo's fault.

However the BBC obviously know what there doing, and I would like to say the seem to know where there going with this story line, and with their characters. I wish they'd done the same character analysis about Kat.

[blue_angel]

Originally Posted by kitkat1971

It is not something that I would personally do and I feel that the BBC's answer in this case is sufficient , but I do think that a viewer has every right to complain about a storyline, especially if they feel that it is portraying a member of a vulnerable sector of society like the severely depressed in a poor light and shouldn't be mocked for having done so.

After all, is it really that different to moaning about a plot on here, at least it is being addressed to the people that have some control over the show rather than just general whingeing.

I agree. I do feel it's the right of anyone to contact the BBC and give their feedback on a television show, which is what Morgsie's done. There's nothing wrong with that at all.

I also think that the BBC have given a spot-on reply which addresses and answers Morgsie's critisism. Jean isn't a bi-polar character, she's a character with bi-polar, she isnt supposed to just represent the disporder. We may not like something a character does, or how a storyline goes, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. It is a fictional show and while it has the same responsibilites as all programs over what they can and can't broadcast, it's important to remember that fiction is the same as life; sometimes things don't always turn out nice and fair.

With the case of this storyline, I don't think Jean is being made out to be the villian at all. Yes, within the program not many people believe her, but as an audience we know she hasn't acted maliciously. Also this story hasn't finished yet, so we don't know if she is going to be vindicated and Michael found out.

Like I said though, I don't see anything wrong with writing to the BBC and telling them your view on a tv show or a storyline, whether it's positive or negative, as long as it's respectfully done.

[catsmeow]

Originally Posted by chocolatecake

It could have been worse, they could have complained about the wall paper in the houses or why Phil's jag has magically converted itself into Range Rover..
Personally, if I was to complain about something I would have complained about how all her family made her go down for benefit fraud when it was Mo's fault.However the BBC obviously know what there doing, and I would like to say the seem to know where there going with this story line, and with their characters. I wish they'd done the same character analysis about Kat.

I did phone up about the benefit fraud as well at the time. But the bbc knowing what they are doing made me laugh.

[J-B]

The writer's aren't playing on Jean being bi-polar with this storyline. They're playing on her being stupid. Michael is using Jean's medical condition to try and discredit her, but it is as plain as day that this isn't the writers suggesting that all people with bi-polar are stupid, just that stupid people get conned by manipulative people.