DS Forums

 
 

What Is Going On With Ee


Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 29-11-2016, 17:14
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
I don't think she will be axed but I agree that Gillian Taylforth is not a strong Actress, remember Kat and Sharon's returns, they were both awful in their first year back. I think Kathy is safe primarily because she is Ian's Mum and she is amongst a batch of characters like Sharon, Ian, Phil & Dot who appear to be safe from any kind of axe from TPTB.
I agree that previous returns have disappointed and indeed there have been occasions where in time the tide has turned. However with Kat and Sharon and indeed Bianca and Carol, Janine etc it was always feasible, if at times unlikely that they would return, but I could get on board.

However, in this case, every episode she's in I immediately feel she shouldn't be there, that in fact it was a cop out on behalf of a producer trying to create hype, that it betrays viewers investment in the show and is undermining and manipulative of an audience in a way a drama of this type shouldn't ever be.

There have been other stories that haven't rang true to me, sure, other performances that I have found weak and unconvincing, definitely, but personally this far outstrips the worst.

I watched Kathy first time-round, from about '93 - '94 onwards and while I was never a fan I had no objections to the character and I did feel it was a huge error to kill her off. But they did. Kathy is dead and a feeble "from the headlines" explanation undermined so much of what went before that I just cannot ever see it being a success.

No writing will ever get me past that.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
Old 29-11-2016, 17:19
Damien_Johnson
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 592
bbc have step in and nip this in the bud, it has never been this bad there are people on here that are lying to themselves saying they are enjoying this, SOC forget giving him time get him out the guy is clueless, building up too christmas and we've got bloody shaqil and becks in one of the most uninteresting and pointless storylines, we all know SOC likes to axe anything that moves so how the hell has shaqil need been axed, its that bad i think he's delibaretly out to ruin it.
'Nip it in the bud' when ratings are slightly higher from this time last year? Or despite how it's building to a much talked about exit for R&R? Or despite how some critics have praised the new direction (Sharon Marshall, Nitin Ganatra, Duncan Lindsey, Daniel Kilkelly)?

"Delibaretly out to ruin it"? Good grief, there's some very odd behavior on here lately. If you don't like it, don't watch it.
Damien_Johnson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:20
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
There’s different degrees of even ‘iconic status’, but Kathy definitely is within that mix somewhere. The fact the name ‘Kathy Beale’ stuck (as evidenced by Gillian's stints on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother where it was repeatedly used) long after she was a Beale on-screen and Gillian was even in the programme denotes some degree of 'pop culture' status. There’s also the fact the café in EE – one of its most used locations - has been named after her for much of its existence, her character synonymous with the place. As well as Kathy’s relatives in the show, the caff ensured that Kathy was never really ‘forgotten’.

Then there was her role as Good Samaritan and her knitwear being sported by quite a few characters back in the 80s, generally noted for how awful it was in the press (I think it may even have inspired an EE knitwear pattern book) and the infamous duff duff where the knitting machine broke that is often referenced. I’m not saying she’s up there with the elite eg. Dirty Den and Dot Cotton but she is iconic.

She might be less regarded by millenials but she has always been a notable character. Kathy’s death wouldn’t have bemoaned to the extent it was and reversed if she wasn’t one of the series big characters. – They don’t resurrect minor ones.

Like bass I wouldn't deny they botched her comeback but there's more to a return than the initial story and these things can be turned around. EE needs an older female character from that era. The play storyline is rubbish (although people acting like EE hasn't had this sort of filler before in its nigh on 32 year existence is a bit odd) but she isn't involved in just that. She's taken over the café, is interacting with more characters, and is more actively involved in Ben's life. She's far from a problem area anymore IMO.
I don't disagree that she's a significant character in the history of the show. I wouldn't call her an icon, but that's a moot point and not my point here.

They will never be able to retrieve this character no matter what they do with her. Nothing about her return has been credible or truthful storytelling and I believe they should make her fall in love and move away quietly and move on.

You are quite right that it may not happen, but for me as a longtime viewer she is one of the weakest points in the show because every-time she appears it jars with me and I don't believe in the character or those around her.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:22
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
'Nip it in the bud' when ratings are slightly higher from this time last year? Or despite how it's building to a much talked about exit for R&R? Or despite how some critics have praised the new direction (Sharon Marshall, Nitin Ganatra, Duncan Lindsey, Daniel Kilkelly)?

"Delibaretly out to ruin it"? Good grief, there's some very odd behavior on here lately. If you don't like it, don't watch it.
Or continue to watch it, lament the change in direction and discuss it on this forum!

It amazes me when people try to shut down discussion on a forum?
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:27
sorcha_healy27
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 69,009
That's as may be, but you also do exactly the same thing. The only difference is your point of view. You constantly defend EE, whereas some of us like a good old moan.

That's not true in the slightest .
Multiple threads about the same subject are boring and spam the forum regardless of whether they are critical or praising a show in my view.
sorcha_healy27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:30
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
That's not true in the slightest .
Multiple threads about the same subject are boring and spam the forum regardless of whether they are critical or praising a show in my view.
Well hold on - calling it spam is a different thing entirely. There is no-one in this thread spamming at all, there are clearly multiple issues at the moment, regardless of what your viewpoint is and it seems there are elements people want to discuss after each episode. Spamming is entirely different and it's dismissive of other people to suggest that it is spamming because you don't share an opinion.

On many occasions there have been similar threads on aspects of EastEnders... look at the threads following major event episodes like the 30th week.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:51
sorcha_healy27
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 69,009
Well hold on - calling it spam is a different thing entirely. There is no-one in this thread spamming at all, there are clearly multiple issues at the moment, regardless of what your viewpoint is and it seems there are elements people want to discuss after each episode. Spamming is entirely different and it's dismissive of other people to suggest that it is spamming because you don't share an opinion.

On many occasions there have been similar threads on aspects of EastEnders... look at the threads following major event episodes like the 30th week.
Like I said too many threads on the same subject are irritating whether they are positive or negative. It is spamming as per the terms and conditions

The amount of threads during live week was ridiculous too. You can't debate well when there's multiple threads in any case.

I wasn't saying anyone's opinion was spamming either. I'm talking specifically about multiple threads
sorcha_healy27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 17:57
Jimmy Connors
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Home For The Bewildered
Posts: 86,545
That's not true in the slightest .
Multiple threads about the same subject are boring and spam the forum regardless of whether they are critical or praising a show in my view.
I disagree.

I couldn't care less how many threads there are on the same subject. I just pick and choose what to open.

What does bug me though is moaning about other posters (not meaning you) This place is to talk about soaps, not other people's posting habits.

It has come to a point now where I think twice before posting. The wrath of the 'unofficial moderators' just isn't worth it.
Jimmy Connors is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 18:00
penelope_smith
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 312
[quote=Ste_Murray1;84726017]I have just said exactly the same to my mum that was the worst soap episode ever! I'd rather have Lorraine Newman and that is saying something.

Was I the only one to notice the scene with Ron n jack calling each other 'shark' etc
came on again but in a different room...same speech tho
I have enjoyed Corrie more and that also is saying something as I can not stand Corrie usually.
penelope_smith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 18:00
sorcha_healy27
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 69,009
I disagree.

I couldn't care less how many threads there are on the same subject. I just pick and choose what to open.

What does bug me though is moaning about other posters (not meaning you) This place is to talk about soaps, not other people's posting habits.

It has come to a point now where I think twice before posting. The wrath of the 'unofficial moderators' just isn't worth it.
Bib I take your point completely Jimmy. I'm in complete agreement. Whether it's positive or negative everyone has the right to speak. I just think too many threads on one topic dilutes debate somewhat

I was just pointing out that LHolmes has often been very critical of the show and not in fact always positive.
sorcha_healy27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 18:06
Jimmy Connors
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Home For The Bewildered
Posts: 86,545
Bib I take your point completely Jimmy. I'm in complete agreement. Whether it's positive or negative everyone has the right to speak. I just think too many threads on one topic dilutes debate somewhat

I was just pointing out that LHolmes has often been very critical of the show and not in fact always positive.
Yes true, Sorcha.

I may have missed some of her posts. I am sorry LHolmes.
Jimmy Connors is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 18:07
Jimmy Connors
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Home For The Bewildered
Posts: 86,545
That's not true at all. I've been quite critical of EE at times on this forum like the writing for Phil and Sharon.

I disliked most of the second half of DTC's tenure as EP.
I apologise for that LHolmes.
Jimmy Connors is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 20:39
Aura101
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,576
Didnt watch tonight. Any improvements?
Aura101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 20:44
sorcha_healy27
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 69,009
Didnt watch tonight. Any improvements?
It was decent enough..phil/sharon and good stacey/Jane scenes

There was a panto scene with Geraldine but I found it funny
sorcha_healy27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 20:51
Harlowe
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 14,370
I disagree.

I couldn't care less how many threads there are on the same subject. I just pick and choose what to open.

What does bug me though is moaning about other posters (not meaning you) This place is to talk about soaps, not other people's posting habits.

It has come to a point now where I think twice before posting. The wrath of the 'unofficial moderators' just isn't worth it.
I agree, the tone of some is like a back seat moderator, if you don't like some aspect of the show, you get criticised and denounced for it, kind of vetoes the point of debate and discussion if you can't have a varied degree of posts positive or negative.
Harlowe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 22:23
Keyser_Soze1
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: The Sixth Circle of Hell
Posts: 20,236
God I am so very sick of these threads.

I am enjoying it - I would much rather see low key realistic drama than watch the Philth beat up the entire Russian military with one hand tied behind his back.

Perhaps I am odd.
Keyser_Soze1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 23:05
AuntieSoap
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,609
God I am so very sick of these threads.

I am enjoying it - I would much rather see low key realistic drama than watch the Philth beat up the entire Russian military with one hand tied behind his back.

Perhaps I am odd.
That's just hyperbole.

The problem to me at the moment is not that there is low-key drama it's that the dialogue is poor, many characters have suddenly done a complete u-turn and the tone of the show has been reset. The production values are not where they ought to be either.
AuntieSoap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 23:11
priscilla
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: God didn't do this, devil did
Posts: 28,118
Very Newman-esque
priscilla is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 23:39
LHolmes
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 9,021
I agree, the tone of some is like a back seat moderator, if you don't like some aspect of the show, you get criticised and denounced for it, kind of vetoes the point of debate and discussion if you can't have a varied degree of posts positive or negative.
I don't think expressing a dislike for multiple threads all made in a short timeframe on the same subject/along the same basis counts as criticising someone for their opinion.
LHolmes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29-11-2016, 23:52
Aaron_Silver
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 8,756
God I am so very sick of these threads.

I am enjoying it - I would much rather see low key realistic drama than watch the Philth beat up the entire Russian military with one hand tied behind his back.

Perhaps I am odd.
I enjoy a few episodes, like tonight when the interactions are really good like between Stacey and Jane, Mick and Ian, Sharon and the doc, etc, but last nights was one of the worst episodes ever made imo.

BIB You're definitely odd, I'm a complete oddball and wouldn't like you if you weren't
Aaron_Silver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-11-2016, 00:16
Harlowe
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 14,370
I don't think expressing a dislike for multiple threads all made in a short timeframe on the same subject/along the same basis counts as criticising someone for their opinion.
I didn't mention multiple threads , I'm talking about a few who keep dismissing others views because it doesn't agree with theirs.
Harlowe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-11-2016, 03:40
Siobhan_Kelly
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 197
I never thought the once mighty EE would be reduced to plots about bins and driving lessons, the actors deserve bettet than this tosh.
Siobhan_Kelly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-11-2016, 04:43
Makson
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 17,413
I never thought the once mighty EE would be reduced to plots about bins and driving lessons, the actors deserve bettet than this tosh.
Thank God we have the riveting Xmas panto storyline though......
Makson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-11-2016, 08:00
david_leeward
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,461
I didn't mention multiple threads , I'm talking about a few who keep dismissing others views because it doesn't agree with theirs.
Well said, although it's been like this for a bit now.
david_leeward is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 30-11-2016, 08:03
sorcha_healy27
Forum Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 69,009
I never thought the once mighty EE would be reduced to plots about bins and driving lessons, the actors deserve bettet than this tosh.
I take it you never saw EE during the Lorraine Newman years
sorcha_healy27 is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply




 
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 14:25.