I know it is far too early to postulate on what SOC's plan for Ian Beale might be, but does anyone get the feeling that we are heading back to 'Squeal Beale' territory, where the character is used as a subsidiary prop to reinforce the dominance of the Mitchell family? There is something creepily indifferent to Ian's plight in the way the Grant attack is scripted and filmed, even though there are many people who hid the secret of Mark Jnr's parentage. Are we supposed to be cheering Grant on? The writer of the DS article below seems to be:

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/east...enders-teaser/

If this is the case - and early indicators are usually a reliable sign of where a producer's vision is headed - then how disappointing for Adam Woodyatt. Ian Beale has been gifted a complex inner life by DTC, and it must be frustrating for him if the character is reduced to a figure of relentless Brent-esque humiliation again.

one of the few decent things done by dtc was to develop Ian and Phil's relationship.

I would hate to see that go backwards for this disgraceful stroryline

Ian deserves more than a punch.. oh look Sharon is there, does she get an alert on her phone when ever there might be Mitchell drama.

maybe she has an inbuilt radar.

we could all get a suprise and Sharon and Jane have a bitch fight tearing each others hair out cos Sharon notices Jane drooling over Grant

now that would be interesting

It's a very rare phenomenon but for once we absolutely agree

But all of this was storylined by DTC. They confirmed SOC's stuff wasn't going to start appearing until mid to late September, likely when this Grant return is done. Hardly a testament to SOC at this stage though it would be nice if he'd drop some hints about his plans.

He's probably beating up Ian because they know no one would ever believe that Martin wouldn't be able to kick his ass for knowing for years and they can't have saint Grant looking weak.

Phil and Ian development better not be un done, I wouldn't enjoy the Mitchell Beale feud after all that they have been through.