I know there's a million and one threads going around regarding EE and SOC's axings, so I thought I'd make a thread focusing on what you all think SOC will do in terms of storylines, and redeeming the show to make it the classic EE we all know and love.
Personally, I think each character and family unit needs to be looked at. Some families are weak, others strong, but all of them could be subject to change. Each character should be focused on, and the most important thing for me is to give storylines that are in character and character led. To put the idea of looking at each family into perspective, for example:
The Mitchells - currently consisting of Phil, Sharon, Ben, Louise, Jay, Billy, Honey (Ronnie and Roxy on their way out). I'd get rid of Jay out of that list, as I feel like he has run his course. Going further - could a new dynamic be added? A new storyline we haven't seen before? Perhaps the reintroduction of Danny Mitchell? (but SOC should be mindful with returns - only bring a character back if they serve a purpose and there is a long term plan for them. This didn't work well with DTC eg the return of Kathy Beale - too much focus on the return itself not everything after that)
I shall do it with other families also. Feel free to add anything you think too.
The Beales - I think Cindy should be brought back, and I want to see her relationship with Steven. Peter - take or leave, if bringing him back make sure there's storyline potential other than romantic troubles with Steven and Lauren. I'd personally get rid of Jane - have her recover and have a fresh start. She needs to be away from Bobby for her own good as he does nothing but ruin her. Also, Steven should be set up as his true villainous self again. Currently the show is lacking a true villain, and I feel Steven could fit the role nicely.
The Carters - remove them from The Vic, it's becoming boring now. Axe Tina, Babe and Sylvie - they're all dry and pointless and cannot be taken anywhere interesting storyline wise. Have Mick, Linda, Shirley and Johnny (with Ollie) buy a new house, and also explore how Mick and Linda have to find employment.
The Fowlers - introduce Mark as a full time character (with Courtney). I like Martin and Stacey, but they need something to do. Bex is good too, and I'd like to see a gritty storyline for her as the actress is capable. Perhaps self harming or eating disorders? It reflects teenage life today. If Sonia does return after maternity leave, set out a plan for her - what's next for her now Tina isn't with her? It'd be silly for her to just roam around Martin and Stacey. Maybe have her find a friend in someone - a new character maybe?
The Foxes - Denise's pregnancy storyline will be good, and I'm excited to see where that goes. I like Kim as a comedic tool, keep her how she is. Introduce Ada and Daphne Fox, either short term or long term. - I like the Foxes and want to see the history behind them. Vincent and Donna - I think, whilst axing them could be a possibility, there's mileage left.
I'm still confused why Vincent's detective job was never revisited? That could have been interesting - yet another fault of DTC's block storytelling and retconning.
The Kazemis - I'd personally get rid of them, not because I don't like them, but because I feel like there's nothing left. At the same time, there is a possibility - Kush and Denise are a thing and Carmel as market inspector. Despite everyone else, I'd keep Shakil - he does reflect real life teenagers and isn't that what a soap is meant to be? A reflection of the world we live in? I'm sure we'd get many more youths of his personality in the real East End.
The Masoods - with Masood leaving, this iconic family now ceases to exist. Bring them back - Masood, Zainab, Kamil, Shabnam and Jade would be a strong set up.
The Slater's - bring back Little Mo, however maybe only for a few months - I can see a short term story working for her but maybe not long term. Eventually bring back Kat but without Alfie - I'd like to see a new direction for her as a new matriarchal figure if Alfie does die. Give Belinda a storyline she can really get her hands into - Carli is a good actress and so something serious could be good for her. Introduce Luke. It's a shame Kyle is gone as there was so much more to be explored, I'd like to have seen his mum again and maybe his sisters. It could still happen.
The Brannings - Max and Cora are due back soon. I like the Brannings and want them to become central to the show again. Jack is still in the show - he could be axed but there's also the idea of him going into business with brother Max. I don't want a Tanya return - instead I'd have Oscar live with Max, Lauren and Abi again, giving Max something to do and give him a more patriarchal role rather than the usual womaniser stuff.
Personally, I think each character and family unit needs to be looked at. Some families are weak, others strong, but all of them could be subject to change. Each character should be focused on, and the most important thing for me is to give storylines that are in character and character led. To put the idea of looking at each family into perspective, for example:
The Mitchells - currently consisting of Phil, Sharon, Ben, Louise, Jay, Billy, Honey (Ronnie and Roxy on their way out). I'd get rid of Jay out of that list, as I feel like he has run his course. Going further - could a new dynamic be added? A new storyline we haven't seen before? Perhaps the reintroduction of Danny Mitchell? (but SOC should be mindful with returns - only bring a character back if they serve a purpose and there is a long term plan for them. This didn't work well with DTC eg the return of Kathy Beale - too much focus on the return itself not everything after that)
I shall do it with other families also. Feel free to add anything you think too.
The Beales - I think Cindy should be brought back, and I want to see her relationship with Steven. Peter - take or leave, if bringing him back make sure there's storyline potential other than romantic troubles with Steven and Lauren. I'd personally get rid of Jane - have her recover and have a fresh start. She needs to be away from Bobby for her own good as he does nothing but ruin her. Also, Steven should be set up as his true villainous self again. Currently the show is lacking a true villain, and I feel Steven could fit the role nicely.
The Carters - remove them from The Vic, it's becoming boring now. Axe Tina, Babe and Sylvie - they're all dry and pointless and cannot be taken anywhere interesting storyline wise. Have Mick, Linda, Shirley and Johnny (with Ollie) buy a new house, and also explore how Mick and Linda have to find employment.
The Fowlers - introduce Mark as a full time character (with Courtney). I like Martin and Stacey, but they need something to do. Bex is good too, and I'd like to see a gritty storyline for her as the actress is capable. Perhaps self harming or eating disorders? It reflects teenage life today. If Sonia does return after maternity leave, set out a plan for her - what's next for her now Tina isn't with her? It'd be silly for her to just roam around Martin and Stacey. Maybe have her find a friend in someone - a new character maybe?
The Foxes - Denise's pregnancy storyline will be good, and I'm excited to see where that goes. I like Kim as a comedic tool, keep her how she is. Introduce Ada and Daphne Fox, either short term or long term. - I like the Foxes and want to see the history behind them. Vincent and Donna - I think, whilst axing them could be a possibility, there's mileage left.
I'm still confused why Vincent's detective job was never revisited? That could have been interesting - yet another fault of DTC's block storytelling and retconning.
The Kazemis - I'd personally get rid of them, not because I don't like them, but because I feel like there's nothing left. At the same time, there is a possibility - Kush and Denise are a thing and Carmel as market inspector. Despite everyone else, I'd keep Shakil - he does reflect real life teenagers and isn't that what a soap is meant to be? A reflection of the world we live in? I'm sure we'd get many more youths of his personality in the real East End.
The Masoods - with Masood leaving, this iconic family now ceases to exist. Bring them back - Masood, Zainab, Kamil, Shabnam and Jade would be a strong set up.
The Slater's - bring back Little Mo, however maybe only for a few months - I can see a short term story working for her but maybe not long term. Eventually bring back Kat but without Alfie - I'd like to see a new direction for her as a new matriarchal figure if Alfie does die. Give Belinda a storyline she can really get her hands into - Carli is a good actress and so something serious could be good for her. Introduce Luke. It's a shame Kyle is gone as there was so much more to be explored, I'd like to have seen his mum again and maybe his sisters. It could still happen.
The Brannings - Max and Cora are due back soon. I like the Brannings and want them to become central to the show again. Jack is still in the show - he could be axed but there's also the idea of him going into business with brother Max. I don't want a Tanya return - instead I'd have Oscar live with Max, Lauren and Abi again, giving Max something to do and give him a more patriarchal role rather than the usual womaniser stuff.
