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EE: Returns v's New Characters


View Poll Results: Do you think the balance is right between returns and new characters?
Yes I think TPTB have got it bang on what are you on about 8 26.67%
No, I think that there are too many returns, I would rather see new characters 11 36.67%
I would rather see lots of returns, can't be bothered with newbies 4 13.33%
Frankly, I couldn't give a monkeys one way or the other 7 23.33%
Voters: 30. You can't vote on this poll right now - are you signed in?

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Old 28-12-2015, 04:10
Aaron_Silver
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EastEnders is bringing more and more characters back, most for short (I would argue fairly pointless stints), others like the most recent Jack on a more permanent basis.

Is this a good or bad thing?

It's good if there is a clear point to it, but the return of Robbie Jackson for instance, was it really necessary? It's not as if Carol left with him. Jack still has big connections to the square and it's permanent so makes more sense. His child is there, Ronnie's there, his step-mother, niece etc, etc.

The typical other bad example was Ryan's appearance what was that about??

I also feel with the constant returns, of not particularly interesting characters might I add, means there is less chance of getting fresh new characters, and actually giving them screen time so we can get to know them.

Paul Coker was introduced on 1st June 2015, he's done 40 odd episodes, many in the background, and because he was used more as a plot device than anything else, I still don't know how I feel about him. I can't decide if I dislike, like or have any idea of his motivations because his entry has been so poor and affected by being off screen for weeks at a time.

I realise a mixture of returns and new characters is necessary for continuity and for surprise factor for viewers but I think the balance needs looked at.

What do you guys think?
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Old 28-12-2015, 04:16
Aaron_Silver
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Poll up shortly
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Old 28-12-2015, 07:57
Ell_Ren
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I would like the show to flesh out the characters they have before bringing in anymore new characters. Returns aren't so bad because most of those characters were developed before they left. There needs to be a good balance of the two, but under the circumstances, alot of new characters have been introduced and not fully developed or explored. I think it would be better for the show to develop these characters (Carmel, Kyle, Buster, Paul...) before casting any new characters. Unless they are temporary/are able to reveal/explain more about characters who already exist. Otherwise they all just remain one dimensional characters that we haven't really got much time/interest for.
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Old 28-12-2015, 08:11
vaslav37
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The show needs new characters.

When are we going to meet the remaining Kuzemi's for example?
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Old 28-12-2015, 10:59
meadows76
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If they knew how to return a character properly it would be fine, but:

Robbie - not necessary and zero storyline, total waste of time

Ryan - again, pointless

Kathy - now this one had HUGE potential and not only did they blow it with ridiculous reasons for the fake death but they completely changed a huge, well established and well liked character in the process.
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Old 28-12-2015, 11:08
J-B
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I only like returns if they are MyLauren or MyCindy. Or anyone else that I fancy.

Thanks.
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Old 28-12-2015, 11:17
Imogen_Galeonti
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There needs to be new characters.

I'm sorry but I can't handle any more returning characters. There needs to be new characters.

Kathy and Sharon are disastrous characters now. Both are poor actresses and I used to like Sharon until recently. Kathy - always been hit and miss but not keen on her. Fix her and Kathy please writers!!!!

I want her to deal with Ian properly.

I want new characters please. Bring in the Kazemis to give Carmel and Kush more family.

Give Buster some flipping airtime - he and Shirley are a couple - why not explore them together???
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Old 28-12-2015, 11:28
0...0
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I would like the show to flesh out the characters they have before bringing in anymore new characters. Returns aren't so bad because most of those characters were developed before they left. There needs to be a good balance of the two, but under the circumstances, alot of new characters have been introduced and not fully developed or explored. I think it would be better for the show to develop these characters (Carmel, Kyle, Buster, Paul...) before casting any new characters. Unless they are temporary/are able to reveal/explain more about characters who already exist. Otherwise they all just remain one dimensional characters that we haven't really got much time/interest for.
I would agree with this. Current storylines aren't being paced properly and the surprise returns were fun for a while but the barrell has felt like it's being scraped dry recently.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:07
vald
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I don't mind the odd return and new characters should bring some energy and excitement to the show, but this is not happening. Returns have either been pointless (Robbie, even Sonia) or given implausible returns (Kathy). New characters are left wallowing in the backround for months, or axed just as I'm getting to know and like them. Who is Buster, ditto Donna. Is Paul's only function to stand around grinning while he waits for Ben to notice him. Someone should tell him that Ben's not the only gay in London and that hanging around with your nan every night is not cool.

Jack is our latest return, and I was pleased to see him, but only because I thought he was back to get some answers about Max. His first port of call should have been Abi, but no, he's back to jump in bed with Ronnie and comfort her when she slips up and crushes the wrong man....poor girl was devastated.

What I'm trying to say is that it's not who they are, or whether they've been in the show before, it's how they're used and how they're written. I'm a big fan of Janine and Zainab, but no way do I want them brought back under this current team.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:12
jamesc_715
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There needs to be a balance. New characters are essential but we need to learn a lot more about them to fully invest in them. Returning characters are fine for me as long as they are still interesting.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:14
jamesc_715
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What I'm trying to say is that it's not who they are, or whether they've been in the show before, it's how they're used and how they're written. I'm a big fan of Janine and Zainab, but no way do I want them brought back under this current team.
They have already ruined Zainab offscreen. Zainab would NEVER abandon her family
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:15
vaslav37
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Cora, Lauren & Max definitely back next year and possibly Tanya and maybe Peter too.

I don't see Zainab returning and I can't see Janine returning before 2017.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:19
momentarything
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Cora, Lauren & Max definitely back next year and possibly Tanya and maybe Peter too.

I don't see Zainab returning and I can't see Janine returning before 2017.
It's strange, earlier in the year I was utterly convinced Zainab would be back by the end of the year, but now I agree with you. It would just be kind of unbelievable that she wouldn't come back for her grandson dying, her only daughter's wedding or her ex basically kidnapping her youngest son, then randomly turning up months later? I don't know. I'd love to see her back but it's been made kind of inconceivable.

I really hope Tanya doesn't return. I loved her character, but I really don't know what she would do on a return except get into another tedious on-off relationship with Max so I hope Jo Joyner stays away.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:20
Sick Bullet
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Since new characters are male and topless within days under DTC.

So old returns any day please.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:24
vald
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They have already ruined Zainab offscreen. Zainab would NEVER abandon her family
Oh, I'm ignoring that. Masood is a liar
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:29
Aaron_Silver
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They have already ruined Zainab offscreen. Zainab would NEVER abandon her family
Incorrect when she joined the show she had already disowned Syed and that was before she found out he was gay.

She would disown herself if she could find good reason

However, I did like the actress and would be glad to see her back, but the character was hideous although could be funny which was a bonus.

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Old 28-12-2015, 12:32
momentarything
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Incorrect when she joined the show she had already disowned Syed and that was before she found out he was gay.

She would disown herself if she could find good reason

However, I did like the actress and would be glad to see her back, but the character was hideous although could be funny which was a bonus.

BiB: She didn't, that was all Masood. Zainab didn't even know Syed had been kicked out, she thought he'd left of his own accord after a fight with his dad.

And I think disowning your son because you're massively homophobic is totally different from cutting yourself off from your whole family, especially when shoving her nose in her family's problems was basically Zainab's whole life.

I adored Zainab. Nina was so talented to somehow make such a terrible person so likeable.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:35
Scrabbler
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IT can depend on the character, I was ecstatic that David Wicks returned but loathe the fact Planks back.

At the moment I really want to see more Kazemis than bringing back old rejects.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:35
soap-lea
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EastEnders is bringing more and more characters back, most for short (I would argue fairly pointless stints), others like the most recent Jack on a more permanent basis.

Is this a good or bad thing?

It's good if there is a clear point to it, but the return of Robbie Jackson for instance, was it really necessary? It's not as if Carol left with him. Jack still has big connections to the square and it's permanent so makes more sense. His child is there, Ronnie's there, his step-mother, niece etc, etc.

The typical other bad example was Ryan's appearance what was that about??

I also feel with the constant returns, of not particularly interesting characters might I add, means there is less chance of getting fresh new characters, and actually giving them screen time so we can get to know them.

Paul Coker was introduced on 1st June 2015, he's done 40 odd episodes, many in the background, and because he was used more as a plot device than anything else, I still don't know how I feel about him. I can't decide if I dislike, like or have any idea of his motivations because his entry has been so poor and affected by being off screen for weeks at a time.

I realise a mixture of returns and new characters is necessary for continuity and for surprise factor for viewers but I think the balance needs looked at.

What do you guys think?
I was just posting to the Belinda thread and thought of Ryan. DTC's trademark for returns and new characters is that they appear for one episode (sometimes a few in the case of a return) then they are not seen again till they become permanent.

I think the fact that Whitney disappeared off screen resulted in Ryans return being scrapped. I wonder if we would have Kush as Staceys baby daddy if Ryan had returned.

I think its time they introduced some new unrelated characters.

I don't mind Jacks return, Kathy's is pointless and has ruined the character.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:38
Aaron_Silver
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BiB: She didn't, that was all Masood. Zainab didn't even know Syed had been kicked out, she thought he'd left of his own accord after a fight with his dad.

And I think disowning your son because you're massively homophobic is totally different from cutting yourself off from your whole family, especially when shoving her nose in her family's problems was basically Zainab's whole life.

I adored Zainab. Nina was so talented to somehow make such a terrible person so likeable.
If she was so strong, and so wonderful she would not have allowed her husband to make such a decision over her child. She was a strong willed woman as you point out, she would never have allowed Masood to keep her from her kids, oh no hold on that's your argument for now isn't it? Double standards, she's quite capable of abandoning her family for whatever reason as she had done it before. Oh and Masood is played by another great actor but the character is utterly hideous. Thanks
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:40
momentarything
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I was just posting to the Belinda thread and thought of Ryan. DTC's trademark for returns and new characters is that they appear for one episode (sometimes a few in the case of a return) then they are not seen again till they become permanent.

I think the fact that Whitney disappeared off screen resulted in Ryans return being scrapped. I wonder if we would have Kush as Staceys baby daddy if Ryan had returned.

I think its time they introduced some new unrelated characters.

I don't mind Jacks return, Kathy's is pointless and has ruined the character.
People keep saying that if Ryan doesn't return, his one-off appearance was pointless. Wrong. It's been so long, even if he does return, the one-off appearance was still pointless. I do wonder if something was planned and something happened offscreen to prevent it. It does seem that way.

Whatever, Ryan was such a dull, pointless (though pretty) character anyway. People complain about Jack's return but Ryan makes Jack look like a complex, deep character.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:42
0...0
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I love Zainab but they have done a total character assassination on her. I think the difference is Syed was a grown man and a thief when they first disowned him. What reason would there be for Z giving up Kamil? Has she joined Scientology?
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:43
Scrabbler
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I love Zainab but they have done a total character assassination on her. I think the difference is Syed was a grown man and a thief when they first disowned him. What reason would there be for Z giving up Kamil? Has she joined Scientology?
Zainab Cruise has a nice ring to it.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:46
0...0
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Zainab Cruise has a nice ring to it.
Mas can jump on a sofa when she returns.
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Old 28-12-2015, 12:46
vald
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I love Zainab but they have done a total character assassination on her. I think the difference is Syed was a grown man and a thief when they first disowned him. What reason would there be for Z giving up Kamil? Has she joined Scientology?
She has become involved with a ruthless man who insists that she has nothing to do with her family....every time she objects he threatens her with the Zippo
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