Im thinking a Luc return is most likely soon because Max has been introduced. Should get August 28th Spoiler soon, If not then I reckon 4th Sept, Which would bring it to 10 weeks without him! Had actually flown by

Can't wait for more spoilers!

After watching this episode tonight, my first impressions are this Max guy, is a charming, cheery, slick operator who I wouldn’t trust with a barge pool whether I was patient or a young, free and single female member of AAU. Even though I did like his entrance and charming demeanour.

He is a devious double dealer. He’s cunning at playing off people such as Sacha and Eddi. He will definitely stir things ups and cause rifts. He has definitely got Eddi under his spell. He’s like a Rasputin in the Medical world. I found him highly irresponsible doctor going off for his fag break. He's not meticulous in assessing his patients diagnosis and I said it in my episode review on Holby thread, that he will instigates mistakes and not be accountable for it and shift the blame to others. He’s not the type to be faithful either.

The good news is, I think Sacha will sort of see right through Max as he trusts Eddi intuition, since they are friends, plus Eddi is a professional and very efficient and usually never its get wrong in her job. I mean she is the only one who can handle Hanssen as well as all the other consultants. Also, he is good friends with Luc and they have a great understanding. Also, Luc is the ultimate medical professional, he would rather take the blame or stick up for Eddi in public although he may privately disagree with her. He actually cares for his patients and will go the extra mile in solving a difficult medical dilemma.

Luc and Sacha remind me of Joey and Chandler (Friends) or JD and Turk (Scrubs).

All I can say now, is Luc, all is forgiven, COME BACK NOW, WE MISS YOU !

EDIT: Eddi belongs to Luc, no contest !

I just re-watched it. He tells Sacha that he asked her to wait until he came out of the theatre. When he is with Eddi, he says he totally defended her infront of Sacha. What a load of cobblers ! Max is also a great liar.

I know programmes need a bad guy but i get a bit fed up/bored of them. They cause trouble then eventually get found out. Im glad Sacha isnt keen on him, would be interesting to see how Michael reacts to him. I still think an extra person wasnt needed in the Leddi storyline and i think it will change the dynamic of the SL when it didnt need to.

I do think Lucs been away a bit to long now, but still looking forward to his return

Agree with this entirely...feeling slightly guilty that I like Max and his humour.
Then again, he is good looking, and I'm just that shallow. Will be brilliant to see a Luc/Eddi/Max storyline based on work rather than a love triangle.

Despite a loyal Luc and Leddi fan, I have to say I liked Max. Ok, he is clearly a nasty/devious person, but I think its ok to like them because Tv is the only place you can.

Im not saying I like what he's done, because I dont, and I dont like the fact he been introduced to this storyline, but I think he himself is going to make some interesting episodes and give us a lot of laughs. His humour cleary written to be the same as Lucs!

I think hes a good character, but the Leddi storyline could have worked without him, and they could have saved his character for another time. I do like what he has brought to AAU though, at least there is life back in Eddi, a bitch back in Chrissie [mind you its always in there somewhere] and our caring fighter of a good cause Sacha is back

Would like to see what Michael thinks of him and how well they get on.

Also I do genuinely believe Max has been brought in to keep Leddi fresh in our minds, and for the viewers to want Luc to come back more because we are seeing bad thinga happen in his absence. Now giving his presence a purpose.

I mean now when his return finally happens, it'll have alot more effect than if he just walked in nothing having changed in his absence. Now he is going to have to fight to get to where he left off, had Max not been present, he would have returned easily. And lets face it...why do something the easy way if they can do it the slap in the face hard way...whilst driving the viewer crazy!

Pretty much agree with everything you've said there, Hatz, although I'll need a few episodes to decide how I feel about Max. I'd definitely prefer the relationship between Max and Eddi to remain platonic but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself with this storyline, because if I think I'm going to dislike anything then I probably will!

I know it's been mentioned a couple of times that Luc and Eddi are like Mr Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. Well, I couldn't help but think that Max reminds me of Mr Wickham. In Pride and Prejudice Wickham appears to be charming and easy-going, gaining Elizabeth's approval. However, it is later revealed in a letter from Darcy that Wickham is not all he seems, and has been leading them all on. Elizabeth's opinion of Wickham is completely changed, and with that she also views Darcy in a much more positive light.

Not sure what my point is there It could be suggested that Max may be a way of bringing Eddi to see some aspects of Luc's character differently, in a more positive way.

Afraid ive got to disagree, there was enough intensity and mystery about Lucs exit that Max isnt needed. Weve seen how his disapearance has effected Eddi and AAU and is return would have been fab. Although i am looking forward to his return i am less interested than i was, firstly because he has been away for to long now and secondly because of Max, i dont like love triangles, there to over used.

I seem to be the only one who found Max highly irritating, i didnt find him funny, charming sleek etc and it was sooo out of character for Eddi to be taken in like that. I have a feeling the Max storyline is going to ruin Leddi for me

I completely understand what you mean. I didnt find him charming and in my opinion hes not attractive ...I just found him funny, and actually a tad bit creepy. Possibly because I wanted him to be. [Am watching the epi now again because im ill and bored] so will let you know

Yes it was out of character for Eddi to do that, something I really didnt like.

And yes, Luc has been away for far too long, and I have also lost interest. Im still awaiting it of course, but I do think now it'll be tainted.

And I think Leddi has already been slighty ruined for me, having watched some Leddi stuff last night and found myself perfering later episides with his absence and before his first appearance. My favourite episode being Leddi but before they got involved

Of course this is all very early, and once he retuns who knows where we are headed. I mean the whole 'field' thing still has me confused

Yes, I definitely don't want a love triangle, I can't think of if I've ever seen one of those done effectively. That's why I'm hoping that Eddi and Max will be, at most, friends. My initial feelings towards Max are not positive - I don't like his flattery nor the way he dealt with patients. However, as mentioned I think he has potential to bring an interesting dynamic but we'll just have to wait and see.

I can see why Eddi is intrigued by Max, he's given her a confidence boost both professionally and personally. I agree with you though, I'm a little surprised that she was won over by him so quickly. I thought she might be more wary than she was - regardless of her feelings for Luc, I feel like generally she's more guarded than that with new people.

I'd have preferred Max not to be involved either but I guess I'm just trying to see what positives it could bring, otherwise I may end up spoiling the storyline for myself.

I felt that there was the opportunity for some really lovely two-handed dialogue scenes between Luc and Eddi - similar to the end of Unsafe Haven. I thought there could be some real strength in that, and potential for character development as well. Of course that could still happen, but with Max's involvement, I'm slightly concerned that we are going to get soap instead of drama, if that makes sense.

So, in summary, I agree with Hatz and you lilster and effectively sort of disagreed with myself. I tend to do that

Hatz i totally understand what you mean about early Leddi episodes, although in the weeks leading up to Lucs exit there was some fantastic scenes, my favourite ever Leddi scene is from 'when the hangover strikes' when they are walking in with the drunk patient on the trolley Eddi is going on about him owning his own place etc, love love the banter

I love that bit too lilster and yes, it's their banter that really grabs me. I think that's what I'm missing the most!

Loved the Leddi that episode!!!

Im just watching the episode 'Equilibrium' [The one before they kissed and liam trashed his van] This is one of my favourites Their banter is just second to none.

I also like how when I rewatch early Luc episodes, Its clear he really likes Eddi, I mean really undertands and likes being with her. Where as her acceptance of him takes a while.

Ah, I miss him Need our Lucas back!! Max could have been the nicest guy in the world...but hes not our Luc

I wonder if Hansen in going to make him and Luc fight for the permanant post on AAU [I really hope not!!] Explains why they'd have scenes together...

Haha what a coincidence hatz, I've just watched that episode too!

Speaking of Hansen, I wonder if he knows where Luc could be. They did have their moments, though short where they kind of understood each other and as you know, Hansen tends to know everything!

Superdooper, that is actually brilliant! So far Max has turned out to be everything you clever girls (and boys?) on the forum predicted: flaky, deceitful and willing to sink to all sorts of depths to protect his own interests. But also kind of likable to the unsuspecting, I mean, easy with people and funny. He knew exactly how to turn on the charm with Eddi, or at least what to do to get her onside. Just by watching how she interacted with Chrissie, he used the 'no love lost there, then' observation to press all the right buttons.

As for why Eddi fell for it so easily, well I think he just got lucky there: his humour is indeed like our Luc's (though imho not nearly so clever) so that could have struck a chord with her unconsciously without her being on her guard so much. And she did still ask 'why, who are you?' when he said he was just the locum and she did refuse his first suggestion of a drink together. I actually thought it was feasible that her guard was down - yes, she's smart and tough and all those things, but she's just been incredibly hurt, she has to work with the mega-couple S+C and it's not that implausible that she is just feeling a bit vulnerable and liked having someone on her side again. The Sacha and Chrissie vs Eddi and Max team thingy was not a subtle device, but it was perhaps just what she needed at that moment in time. Just some thoughts....

May I say, as a virgin poster, THANK YOU for opening up this thread. I always followed the mainstream HC one, but this is the one I most enjoy, because you anyway talk about the other characters and the episode, but you share my bias towards desperately wanting Luc back and for the Leddi fiasco to somehow end well! And I felt braver about joining in as it's now a smaller community (at least, I think it is!!). Hatz, need next chapter of your fanfic SOON.

Dillyp, glad you can see the Mr Wickham resemblance - I was just dropping off to sleep when the thought came to me

And welcome to the forum, and an excellent first post, good analysis of how Max works.

I also followed the Holby thread for ages before daring to post and understand exactly what you mean. I definitely feel happier in this smaller thread and people are so good at coming up with various points. We are all lovely in here so feel free to join in as much as you like. All comments are welcome

Yay new poster!! Hi Dillyp!

Great thougths on Max, and yes Eddi was vulnerbale. I think she is clinging to the closest thing she has to a Luc and not really thinking about what shes doing. Shes just wants that Luc shaped hole in her life filled....I know the feeling

I too enjoy this smaller forum. Feel like my posts are actually read and not just flicked through and ignored.

Glad you like my Fic! Next chapter is being written right now! I know exactly where this chapter is going! Kind of want it to be finished before Luc actually returns on screen, so am getting a move on with the writing now! [Although Im sure theres no rush...no sign of him yet!]

Loving the Leddie chat tonight & a few new posters hurrah! I noticed someone mentioned Chrissies eyes light up when she was introduced to Max, as much as I've decided I don't really like him, he did have some good lines to Eddi 'you've done what to who'?!! & I didn't ask for names, or something like that made me laugh, but can't help feeling protective over a girl who has been left in the lurch both emotionally and professionally by Luc! Max has the potential to really stir things up at AAU, miff off Sacha, make Chrissie realise that Sacha's not enough for her & get jealous of Eddi's friendship with him, & Really really annoy Luc when he comes back. I really hope that is soon, am thinking after reading posts that Sacha will get back in touch with Luc & maybe we will see him in the on location caravan scene as well as Eddi, who knows. But we do need the next fan fic soon to help pass the time between now & then! I know the story has to move on & Max has arrived but I can't help missing the cosy days in AAU when Sacha & Luc played video games in the basement & poker in the caravan. The Leddie scenes were great but I also liked Luc & Sacha!!!

Ah yep, another line that really made me laugh!

Eddi "been there done that"
Max "Done that? Done what exactly?"
Eddi "Michael"
max "no need to name names"


Maybe we are going to see max turn everyone against each other in aau and then leave, then have luc come back to complete chaos with everyone hating each other and him being the middle man. . . now that i would find funny for some reason!

Hatz, I do see where you are coming from with your analysis of why Max was brought in to keep Luc in our minds (who has been gone for too long from a viewer pov) but I am in line with Lilster and superdooper, I am not keen on Max and I didn’t find his humour funny in a way Luc’s was, which was more inquisitive in an innocent sense, whereas Max’s was in a boastful and smug way, hope you get my drift here. I just find Max deceitful and abit of a conman imo.

Also, I felt it was unnecessary to bring Max into AAU as there was more than enough dynamic and mystery with Eddi and Luc’s relationship to be explored when Luc returned which I think was touched only briefly throughout this series. I also loved the sparring dialogue between team Leddi in the few episodes they were in. I hope in the future scenes, that their dialogue will not be compromised now we have an extra character. I also like the comparison of Max to Mr Wickham. I feel he will create disharmony and divisions in AAU which may even threaten Eddi and Sacha’s friendship and work relationship as well.

Superdooper, I do see your point why Eddi is intrigued by him but I too was so surprised that she gave in for a drink with the easy going Max where she had resisted Luc for so long, perhaps because Luc sort of challenged the way she ran things in AAU and the way she ran her life. She has been devastated by Luc’s sudden departure and the whole of AAU were shell shocked and now this sunny and shallow Max has turned up, AAU need all the help they can get, and Eddi is at her most vulnerable and she has now taken the bait. When Luc does return, I can see that Luc is more intuitive and will see straight through Max, hopefully making Eddi see sense and saving the day like in ‘Unsafe Haven’.

I would also love to see more buddy scenes with Luc and Sacha, as they were some of my favourite scenes, sort of like a road trip ( abit like Elliot and Michael in the Xmas episode).

I hope Luc spilt Max's blood !

BTW, its quite an interesting episode, so there are scenes with these two together. I bet they will wind each other up.

I got a funny feeling that Holby producers are going to surprise us with Luc's return by not telling us when, and it will be sort of unexpected.
After reading that interview, the producer was sort of teasing us about if/when Luc returns. Did anyone think that as well ?

Love the idea of a Sacha and Luc road trip, that would be fab! Just need a medical reason for it! I hope Luc does come back to heal the wounds in AAU after Max has set everyone against each other, but I agree that I think he will just pop up and we won't know beforehand....

Agree with all of this
And good point in your other post about Lucs return not being on the spoilers, i thought they might be that mean to us but would they keep him off the casting list??