Originally Posted by
Randomguy83:
“Aside from the fact it's not been that interesting this week, it's been really maudlin and miserable
.
David's cancer buddy dying for example. Why? We all know cancer sucks, everyone in the village knows that too as various characters have had it. Edna died of it, Diane recently had it, Gordon had it but hung himself in prison... Did they REALLY need to kill off a character who'd been in like 3 episodes?
Ashley's story is another that is dangerously veering into Aaron territory, misery for misery's sake.....Yeah guy has dementia at a young age so let's show how 'dangerous' to his kids he is.”
I totally agree with this. It was wrong on all sorts of levels. bronchopneumonia is often called the sick mans friend as it can strike quickly, but I don't think overnight in a teenage lad, the character was a bright positive lad, and deserved to be better known for the viewers to take more interest in Dylan, even if this was the final outcome. It could also frighten viewers embarking on chemotherapy therapy as you can get similar symptoms especially near the start of treatment.
One subtle move they did well, and struck a chord with me, is that Jacob becomes obsessed with cleaning. I know as a young lad, if my mum had seen a cancer patient, I would go around with Dettol on everything she touched (door handles etc). It used to annoy her, but when you are 14 you are inclined to fear you can "catch" anything, so they have done well there. I hope somebody reassures him, but not David as it would be so hurtful to him.