Originally Posted by soap-lea:
“Sorted your typo”
“Sorted your typo”
Hi Lea,
We all have our opinions, I'd rather discuss them than alter posts in a silly way like that.
Thanks a lot.
Lee's darkest hour - Eastenders 30th December 2016 episode thread
15 of 17
Hi Lea,
We all have our opinions, I'd rather discuss them than alter posts in a silly way like that.
Thanks a lot.
Originally Posted by J-B:
“Hi Lea,
We all have our opinions, I'd rather discuss them than alter posts in a silly way like that.
Thanks a lot.”
“Hi Lea,
We all have our opinions, I'd rather discuss them than alter posts in a silly way like that.
Thanks a lot.”
Oh dear, I fear I may have upset you
Never seen a Thanks a lot. From you before
That was a fantastic episode.
I was on tenderhooks with Lee and Karen, and again with Max and Phil.
SO'C has been slowly building the characters up since he arrived so that when drama occurs it has the maximum impact. Things look promising for 2017.
Shocked at Max self harming. Three men broken in different ways - Lee, Max and Phil. Powerful stuff.
I was on tenderhooks with Lee and Karen, and again with Max and Phil.
SO'C has been slowly building the characters up since he arrived so that when drama occurs it has the maximum impact. Things look promising for 2017.
Shocked at Max self harming. Three men broken in different ways - Lee, Max and Phil. Powerful stuff.
Best episode in a while, I was crying throughout... Funny how it takes a complete stranger for us to see things differently. I really hope Lee gets real help now.
Just caught the episode. Well done to EE, what a brilliant episode. I couldn't turn away, all the characters were just so engaging tonight. I think SOC deserves a lot of praise as tonight is a true testament to good writing and to how well the actors respond when given the right material.
My heart broke for Lee, his monologues were so powerful
Happy New Year to everyone when it comes
My heart broke for Lee, his monologues were so powerful
Happy New Year to everyone when it comes
Originally Posted by TheGraduate2012:
“Just caught the episode. Well done to EE, what a brilliant episode. I couldn't turn away, all the characters were just so engaging tonight. I think SOC deserves a lot of praise as tonight is a true testament to good writing and to how well the actors respond when given the right material.
My heart broke for Lee, his monologues were so powerful
Happy New Year to everyone when it comes”
“Just caught the episode. Well done to EE, what a brilliant episode. I couldn't turn away, all the characters were just so engaging tonight. I think SOC deserves a lot of praise as tonight is a true testament to good writing and to how well the actors respond when given the right material.
My heart broke for Lee, his monologues were so powerful
Happy New Year to everyone when it comes
”
Completely agree
Happy New Year Grad
I think you may find January somewhat challenging 
I didn't really care for the episode, I know Lee was well acted, but I can't do sad stuff, so I had to avoid most of the roof stuff. I did enjoy the party & Max.
Philth ugh
Philth ugh
It was a sensational episode and it's easily one of my top five episodes this year. Some powerhouse performances from Danny-Boy and Sally Rogers and I was captivated by their intense scenes as I really felt for Lee. EastEnders is doing a great job raising awareness about depression and the effects it has on men. I'm pleased Lee changed his mind and he has his family and wife to look after him however it's not easy to open up to them. I felt a twinge in my stomach during Karen and Lee's scenes. Poor Karen, looks like her son killed himself and Sally Rogers was phenomenal in that final scene.
It was saddening to see Max self-harming but he had a difficult time in prison and a lot of people do change during their time in prison. He's a broken man and he's trying his hardest to be himself but deep down he's very vulnerable sadly.
I hope he's playing the long game with Phil, Sharon, Ian and Jane.
Welcome back Danny and Glenda and I look forward to Ronnie and Roxy's memorable exits in New Year's Day.
10/10
It was saddening to see Max self-harming but he had a difficult time in prison and a lot of people do change during their time in prison. He's a broken man and he's trying his hardest to be himself but deep down he's very vulnerable sadly.
I hope he's playing the long game with Phil, Sharon, Ian and Jane.
Welcome back Danny and Glenda and I look forward to Ronnie and Roxy's memorable exits in New Year's Day.
10/10
Originally Posted by soap-lea:
“Completely agree
Happy New Year Grad I think you may find January somewhat challenging ”
“Completely agree
Happy New Year Grad
I think you may find January somewhat challenging ”
Happy New Year my lovely Yorkie friend. Here's to a wonderful 2017
Hem, hem.... remember #ReformedGrad2017 babes? The only way is up
Originally Posted by jamesc_715:
“It was a sensational episode and it's easily ne of my top five episodes this year. Some powerhouse performances from Danny-Boy and Sally Rogers and I was captivated by their intense scenes as I really felt for Lee. EastEnders is doing a great job raising awareness about depression and the effects it has on men. I'm pleased Lee changed his mind and he has his family and wife to look after him however it's not easy to open up to them. I felt a twinge in my stomach during Karen and Lee's scenes. Poor Karen, looks like her son killed himself and Sally Rogers was phenomenal in that final scene.
It was saddening to see Max self-harming but he had a difficult time in prison and a lot of people do change during their time in prison. He's a broken man and he's trying his hardest to be himself but deep down he's very vulnerable sadly.
I hope he's playing the long game with Phil, Sharon, Ian and Jane.
Welcome back Danny and Glenda and I look forward to Ronnie and Roxy's memorable exits in New Year's Day.
10/10”
“It was a sensational episode and it's easily ne of my top five episodes this year. Some powerhouse performances from Danny-Boy and Sally Rogers and I was captivated by their intense scenes as I really felt for Lee. EastEnders is doing a great job raising awareness about depression and the effects it has on men. I'm pleased Lee changed his mind and he has his family and wife to look after him however it's not easy to open up to them. I felt a twinge in my stomach during Karen and Lee's scenes. Poor Karen, looks like her son killed himself and Sally Rogers was phenomenal in that final scene.
It was saddening to see Max self-harming but he had a difficult time in prison and a lot of people do change during their time in prison. He's a broken man and he's trying his hardest to be himself but deep down he's very vulnerable sadly.
I hope he's playing the long game with Phil, Sharon, Ian and Jane.
Welcome back Danny and Glenda and I look forward to Ronnie and Roxy's memorable exits in New Year's Day.
10/10
”
Same. A real standout for me, this episode was. It just goes to show that quality writing and invested acting are the linchpins of good storytelling. My heart also broke for Karen - that background photo of her son was just so simple, yet effective
Max as well
I'm really interested to see where SOC is taking our Max next year as I feel that he is such a complex character - mostly on account of Jake's brilliant acting talent - but that no producer thus far has made the character reach his full potential yet.
Originally Posted by TheGraduate2012:
“Happy New Year my lovely Yorkie friend. Here's to a wonderful 2017
Hem, hem.... remember #ReformedGrad2017 babes? The only way is up
Same. A real standout for me, this episode was. It just goes to show that quality writing and invested acting are the linchpins of good storytelling. My heart also broke for Karen - that background photo of her son was just so simple, yet effective
Max as well I'm really interested to see where SOC is taking our Max next year as I feel that he is such a complex character - mostly on account of Jake's brilliant acting talent - but that no producer thus far has made the character reach his full potential yet.”
“Happy New Year my lovely Yorkie friend. Here's to a wonderful 2017
Hem, hem.... remember #ReformedGrad2017 babes? The only way is up
Same. A real standout for me, this episode was. It just goes to show that quality writing and invested acting are the linchpins of good storytelling. My heart also broke for Karen - that background photo of her son was just so simple, yet effective
Max as well
I'm really interested to see where SOC is taking our Max next year as I feel that he is such a complex character - mostly on account of Jake's brilliant acting talent - but that no producer thus far has made the character reach his full potential yet.”
Thats why it will be challenging
I predict a crash and burn situation before Ronnies dead
One of the best episodes in a long time. Great acting by everyone. Danny Boy is an amazing actor and sorry he's leaving
Originally Posted by soap-lea:
“Thats why it will be challenging
I predict a crash and burn situation before Ronnies dead”
“Thats why it will be challenging
I predict a crash and burn situation before Ronnies dead
”
Crash and burn situation for me?
I'm glad you have such faith in me 
Who am I kidding. Ronnie will be still drinking vinegar out of her wine glass and toasting the New Year by the time I'm in the gutter
I thought it was tremendously moving in places. As someone who has battled depression and anxiety (although I didn't quite reach the point that Lee has), I could relate to so much of what was said. It was also a great choice to have such a strong actress as Sally Rogers as Lee's Good Samaritan - she brought real depth to the role. I must admit I've been a little bit doubtful about SOC, but his approach is really starting to bear fruit now.
Strange to think that it was Roxy's penultimate episode! Happy new year to all on here xx
Strange to think that it was Roxy's penultimate episode! Happy new year to all on here xx
Originally Posted by matty_anderson:
“One of the best episodes in a long time. Great acting by everyone. Danny Boy is an amazing actor and sorry he's leaving”
“One of the best episodes in a long time. Great acting by everyone. Danny Boy is an amazing actor and sorry he's leaving”
It's funny, when I heard that Lee and R&R were leaving, I really wasn't that fussed but SOC has made them so much more interesting that I'm going to miss them now
Originally Posted by nick202:
“I thought it was tremendously moving in places. As someone who has battled depression and anxiety (although I didn't quite reach the point that Lee has), I could relate to so much of what was said. It was also a great choice to have such a strong actress as Sally Rogers as Lee's Good Samaritan - she brought real depth to the role. I must admit I've been a little bit doubtful about SOC, but his approach is really starting to bear fruit now.
Strange to think that it was Roxy's penultimate episode! Happy new year to all on here xx”
“I thought it was tremendously moving in places. As someone who has battled depression and anxiety (although I didn't quite reach the point that Lee has), I could relate to so much of what was said. It was also a great choice to have such a strong actress as Sally Rogers as Lee's Good Samaritan - she brought real depth to the role. I must admit I've been a little bit doubtful about SOC, but his approach is really starting to bear fruit now.
Strange to think that it was Roxy's penultimate episode! Happy new year to all on here xx”
I'm glad people are responding to SOC's pace of things. I think the gradually build-up of his character-driven storylines will eventually make the more sensationlist events that much more powerful/meaningful.
Happy New Year x
Originally Posted by owen10:
“When everyone was talking about Danny turning up
I thought Danny Moon had come back and was not killed off in the first place”
“When everyone was talking about Danny turning up
I thought Danny Moon had come back and was not killed off in the first place
”
Please don't go giving them any nasty ideas like that
Originally Posted by MR_Pitkin:
“Parking attendant come suicide counselor. How convenient.”
“Parking attendant come suicide counselor. How convenient.”
I was once talked down from suicide by a woman working in a bar who barely spoke English
Originally Posted by Tanequil:
“Yep that's how I see it.”
“Yep that's how I see it.”
I'm currently in a deep down bipolar 2 phase. I found those scenes hard to watch but I find the callousness of those comments far, far worse.
Originally Posted by soap-lea:
“Jane needs to give herself up to the police and do her time ”
“Jane needs to give herself up to the police and do her time ”
You think that The Police don't think she and Beale helped Bobby ?
Originally Posted by Neil_N:
“DCI Masters here to save the day. Knew she had a role to play.”
“DCI Masters here to save the day. Knew she had a role to play.”
DCI ?
Originally Posted by ianradioian:
“Its always darkest before the Dawn”
“Its always darkest before the Dawn”
That'#s what Garry Hobbs said
Originally Posted by Billy_Value:
“In real life no one would have turned up to talk to him and he would have jumped by now”
“In real life no one would have turned up to talk to him and he would have jumped by now”
But EE is very real ?????
Originally Posted by SecretLifeoBees:
“What's Whitney like?
She's a needy whingey 1950 housewife wannabe.”
“What's Whitney like?
She's a needy whingey 1950 housewife wannabe.”
My mom was a 50s housewife
Originally Posted by Tanequil:
“A car magazine how dull, Phil would prefer a copy of Razzle.”
“A car magazine how dull, Phil would prefer a copy of Razzle.”
or Phith monthl;y
Originally Posted by vaslav37:
“Danny Boy is excellent and so is Sally Rogers.”
“Danny Boy is excellent and so is Sally Rogers.”
She was
Originally Posted by Billy_Value:
“Tell your wife to get a job, the lazy sod”
“Tell your wife to get a job, the lazy sod”
She does have a job
Originally Posted by lola_skye:
“I hoped she's called the police”
“I hoped she's called the police”
But it's her word against his
Originally Posted by Billy_Value:
“Look daddy, Every time a bell rings its time for one last pint.”
“Look daddy, Every time a bell rings its time for one last pint.”
Originally Posted by Aaron_2015:
“That was unforgivable, and Phil never got punished.”
“That was unforgivable, and Phil never got punished.”
Philth has never been punished
Originally Posted by lola_skye:
“That's for later, if he gets help he will get help Andy support on how to tell his family. Right now he's not in the mindset or is well”
“That's for later, if he gets help he will get help Andy support on how to tell his family. Right now he's not in the mindset or is well”
You want him to borrow more money and continue with the lies then
Originally Posted by xTonix:
“Brilliant episode, see EastEnders don't need explosions, firer's, car crashes ect to be top drama.
Danny-Boy was amazing tonight, the best he has been, I felt so sorry for him, and Karen has obviously lost a son to suicide. Brilliant scenes with Lee and Karen.
Glenda and Danny back.
Max is hurting himself.
Best episode for a while, imo.”
“Brilliant episode, see EastEnders don't need explosions, firer's, car crashes ect to be top drama.
Danny-Boy was amazing tonight, the best he has been, I felt so sorry for him, and Karen has obviously lost a son to suicide. Brilliant scenes with Lee and Karen.
Glenda and Danny back.
Max is hurting himself.
Best episode for a while, imo.”
I cannot take seriously anyone who calls himself Danny Boy. Does he think he's a Walton ?
Originally Posted by owen10:
“Well that is going to be easy
But seriously he knows if he tells the truth then the whole family will disown him. And also the end of his marriage”
“Well that is going to be easy
But seriously he knows if he tells the truth then the whole family will disown him. And also the end of his marriage”
A chance he will have to take.
Originally Posted by Piipp:
“That was a really weird episode. And I don't at all like how Lee's story seems to have been quickly wrapped up in this way... depression doesn't just disappear after one stranger shows you some kindness.”
“That was a really weird episode. And I don't at all like how Lee's story seems to have been quickly wrapped up in this way... depression doesn't just disappear after one stranger shows you some kindness.”
It hasn't been wrapped up FFS. It's likely the admitting there's a problem phase.
Karen talking Lee down from his depressive suicide. What powerful, emotional scenes.
I've dipped into such dark thoughts too. The worthlessness / alienness.
Him talking about Whitney and how much he loves her, but feeling that he's still not worthy of her.
Him talking about Mick and how easy it is to make friends for him. I also struggle with such, and I've just turned 30.
Johnny has mates / a life? You could've fooled me...
You really should've quit this hellhole job ages ago, though - Whitney would've rather wanted you happy I expect.
Shit... Him actually getting on the ledge.
Karen's pep talk. That was good. You're not alone.
Damn. Actually was
ing by this point. Glad Lee let Karen take him back from the edge.
So Max really was back for good interests. Good one telling him about the Mitchell's, Stace!
Oh no. Karen lost her son to suicide too. Shit...
Hereeeee's Max!
Oh Roxy... Crazy to think that by this time next week she and or her sistr will probably be dead.
Is Carmel setting up everyone now? Lol
Max really is gonna play the long game with Phil then I see.
Lee, tell her everything about where you've been. Come on.
One foot in front of the other at a time.
It won't, but I really hope they put this episode forward for a soap award for the Lee scenes.
I've dipped into such dark thoughts too. The worthlessness / alienness.
Him talking about Whitney and how much he loves her, but feeling that he's still not worthy of her.
Him talking about Mick and how easy it is to make friends for him. I also struggle with such, and I've just turned 30.
Johnny has mates / a life? You could've fooled me...
You really should've quit this hellhole job ages ago, though - Whitney would've rather wanted you happy I expect.
Shit... Him actually getting on the ledge.
Karen's pep talk. That was good. You're not alone.
Damn. Actually was
ing by this point. Glad Lee let Karen take him back from the edge.So Max really was back for good interests. Good one telling him about the Mitchell's, Stace!
Oh no. Karen lost her son to suicide too. Shit...
Hereeeee's Max!
Oh Roxy... Crazy to think that by this time next week she and or her sistr will probably be dead.
Is Carmel setting up everyone now? Lol
Max really is gonna play the long game with Phil then I see.
Lee, tell her everything about where you've been. Come on.
One foot in front of the other at a time.
It won't, but I really hope they put this episode forward for a soap award for the Lee scenes.
Originally Posted by Grouty:
“I had to whack it up”
“I had to whack it up
”
Hi Grouty,
We the sensible, honourable posters don't want to know about your sordid sex life.
Thanks
Can we keep Karen please, good actress bring her o to the square.
Decent episode 9/10
I have my computer in getting fixed so apologies for any stupid auto - corrects and the damned thing won't let me multi - quote.
Originally Posted by owen10:
“Well that is going to be easy
But seriously he knows if he tells the truth then the whole family will disown him. And also the end of his marriage”
“Well that is going to be easy
But seriously he knows if he tells the truth then the whole family will disown him. And also the end of his marriage”
I don't think for a second that the family would disown him. They'd go into listening mode, the usual chaos with everyone having a say, Mick issuing a rallying cry and then having a jolly up and having a karaoke and darts tourno. With Lin'd rape, Johnny coming out, revelations about parentage, Lee's discharge from the army, Babe blackmailing the Cokers, etc. Typical guff from Mick about keeping the family together and in any case, Walford doesn't disown anyone whether they've murdered a daughter, son or husband. Nicking a few quid would barely raise an eyebrow.
Originally Posted by absalomabsalom:
“I'm currently in a deep down bipolar 2 phase. I found those scenes hard to watch but I find the callousness of those comments far, far worse.”
“I'm currently in a deep down bipolar 2 phase. I found those scenes hard to watch but I find the callousness of those comments far, far worse.”
The callousness is of course far worse. Unfortunately a lot of people lack empathy, and many think empathy and compassion should be some kind of contest, deciding who should be the most worthy of it - constantly contrasting and comparing situations, to invalidate someone's problems/life.
I shouldn't be surprised, because such people don't care and many of them probably get some sense of validation from saying horrendous things to people, especially online. Even so it astounds me that people don't understand or care that when we are discussing a storyline like Lee's, heartless comments will be read by people who feel like Lee - and if they do comments that invalidate their feelings or mock their feelings - contribute to their sense of worthlessness, helplessness ect. Lee might not be real, but the people reading the words that are posted on forums, youtube, twitter, facebook, comments sections of articles - ARE.
As I said, many of those who do post horrible things on such platforms, they often DO want vulnerable people to read them. The worst of these people are hate filled who despise "weakness" and hating makes them feel powerful.
I haven't read through the whole thread but have skimmed the last page and knew there would be some differing opinions on how people feel regarding Lee. Firstly, I would like to say a big well done to Danny and Sally who were absolutely incredible tonight.
I must admit that going into this I have been critical of Danny's acting before and knowing tonight was quite a 'big' episode I wasn't sure he would be able to put in the level of performance needed for such a storyline but I think tonight has shown that he really has done his research and taken this very seriously, he has improved throughout and tonight it really showed in my opinion so big well done to him for putting in the hours and really getting to grips with what depression can do and how it feels.
I have been someone that has sympathised with Lee and what he is going through regarding the depression, I do think that it must be more difficult for a man to go through, especially if you come from a family of proper 'men's men' so to speak. He has seen what his dad and mother have had to go through and indeed he mentioned to Linda when he was initially diagnosed with depression and given tablets to take that he felt 'weak' in comparison to her as she had been through so much what with the rape, the pregnancy etc and she had got through it.
From the outside looking in, if others on the Square knew for instance about his depression you would get the comments of 'Oh well his mum has been through so much and she's okay! So has Whitney with the miscarriage, he should just pull himself together!'. And the comments aren't necessarily meant to be hurtful, it's just the case that a lot of people still don't really understand what depression is and how it is different from just going through a bit of a difficult time or having an 'off' day.
I think it was explained very well by Lee tonight, you see other people all around you happy, going on with their day and getting on with their lives and even though they are right there in front of you it can feel like they are millions of miles away and you are looking at them from a cell of sorts. You want to be like them, you want to take hold of your life and move it in a different direction but no matter how hard you try to break free of the cell there is something constantly there holding you back. Even if you have the most amazing support network around you it can be almost indescribable to explain how it feels to be in a skin that you absolutely hate and want to crawl out of so you put on a mask to act how everyone expects you to, smile, laugh, joke, be loud, outgoing, but inside you are literally crawling and aching.
Because of knowing that feeling, I can sympathise with Lee and what he is going through BUT I can also think that some of his actions have been pretty terrible. Ultimately, short of him murdering or raping someone, Mick and Linda will forgive and love him, it might take time but I think it would happen. In his mind, he has done too much and they will hate him. Sadly for him, despite having this chat tonight, I think things might get even worse before they get better because now he will be desperate to climb out of the hole he has got himself in so he can sort things out without having to tell everyone the whole truth.
All of us are obviously screaming at the screen 'Just tell them all now, apologise and do as much as you can to make things right!' but that is not going to be the case. The one person that he may well lose in all this is Whitney as I think she will obviously be angry at the fact that he has lied about his job, spent money he hasn't got and taken out loans, set up a robbery and stolen a charity collection to fund this lifestyle which he insists on giving her because ultimately I don't think Lee believes that Whitney truly loves him, she just loves the lifestyle and the fancy flat, presents etc.
And once the truth is out I think that is what will hurt her more than anything, the fact that Lee could not trust and believe in her enough to tell her the whole truth because he was scared of losing her if he couldn't give her the nice flat and the nice furnishings, the nice honeymoon etc.
Sorry, long post!
I must admit that going into this I have been critical of Danny's acting before and knowing tonight was quite a 'big' episode I wasn't sure he would be able to put in the level of performance needed for such a storyline but I think tonight has shown that he really has done his research and taken this very seriously, he has improved throughout and tonight it really showed in my opinion so big well done to him for putting in the hours and really getting to grips with what depression can do and how it feels.
I have been someone that has sympathised with Lee and what he is going through regarding the depression, I do think that it must be more difficult for a man to go through, especially if you come from a family of proper 'men's men' so to speak. He has seen what his dad and mother have had to go through and indeed he mentioned to Linda when he was initially diagnosed with depression and given tablets to take that he felt 'weak' in comparison to her as she had been through so much what with the rape, the pregnancy etc and she had got through it.
From the outside looking in, if others on the Square knew for instance about his depression you would get the comments of 'Oh well his mum has been through so much and she's okay! So has Whitney with the miscarriage, he should just pull himself together!'. And the comments aren't necessarily meant to be hurtful, it's just the case that a lot of people still don't really understand what depression is and how it is different from just going through a bit of a difficult time or having an 'off' day.
I think it was explained very well by Lee tonight, you see other people all around you happy, going on with their day and getting on with their lives and even though they are right there in front of you it can feel like they are millions of miles away and you are looking at them from a cell of sorts. You want to be like them, you want to take hold of your life and move it in a different direction but no matter how hard you try to break free of the cell there is something constantly there holding you back. Even if you have the most amazing support network around you it can be almost indescribable to explain how it feels to be in a skin that you absolutely hate and want to crawl out of so you put on a mask to act how everyone expects you to, smile, laugh, joke, be loud, outgoing, but inside you are literally crawling and aching.
Because of knowing that feeling, I can sympathise with Lee and what he is going through BUT I can also think that some of his actions have been pretty terrible. Ultimately, short of him murdering or raping someone, Mick and Linda will forgive and love him, it might take time but I think it would happen. In his mind, he has done too much and they will hate him. Sadly for him, despite having this chat tonight, I think things might get even worse before they get better because now he will be desperate to climb out of the hole he has got himself in so he can sort things out without having to tell everyone the whole truth.
All of us are obviously screaming at the screen 'Just tell them all now, apologise and do as much as you can to make things right!' but that is not going to be the case. The one person that he may well lose in all this is Whitney as I think she will obviously be angry at the fact that he has lied about his job, spent money he hasn't got and taken out loans, set up a robbery and stolen a charity collection to fund this lifestyle which he insists on giving her because ultimately I don't think Lee believes that Whitney truly loves him, she just loves the lifestyle and the fancy flat, presents etc.
And once the truth is out I think that is what will hurt her more than anything, the fact that Lee could not trust and believe in her enough to tell her the whole truth because he was scared of losing her if he couldn't give her the nice flat and the nice furnishings, the nice honeymoon etc.
Sorry, long post!
Originally Posted by *Elle*90:
“The callousness is of course far worse. Unfortunately a lot of people lack empathy, and many think empathy and compassion should be some kind of contest, deciding who should be the most worthy of it - constantly contrasting and comparing situations, to invalidate someone's problems/life.
I shouldn't be surprised, because such people don't care and many of them probably get some sense of validation from saying horrendous things to people, especially online. Even so it astounds me that people don't understand or care that when we are discussing a storyline like Lee's, heartless comments will be read by people who feel like Lee - and if they do comments that invalidate their feelings or mock their feelings - contribute to their sense of worthlessness, helplessness ect. Lee might not be real, but the people reading the words that are posted on forums, youtube, twitter, facebook, comments sections of articles - ARE.
As I said, many of those who do post horrible things on such platforms, they often DO want vulnerable people to read them. The worst of these people are hate filled who despise "weakness" and hating makes them feel powerful.”
“The callousness is of course far worse. Unfortunately a lot of people lack empathy, and many think empathy and compassion should be some kind of contest, deciding who should be the most worthy of it - constantly contrasting and comparing situations, to invalidate someone's problems/life.
I shouldn't be surprised, because such people don't care and many of them probably get some sense of validation from saying horrendous things to people, especially online. Even so it astounds me that people don't understand or care that when we are discussing a storyline like Lee's, heartless comments will be read by people who feel like Lee - and if they do comments that invalidate their feelings or mock their feelings - contribute to their sense of worthlessness, helplessness ect. Lee might not be real, but the people reading the words that are posted on forums, youtube, twitter, facebook, comments sections of articles - ARE.
As I said, many of those who do post horrible things on such platforms, they often DO want vulnerable people to read them. The worst of these people are hate filled who despise "weakness" and hating makes them feel powerful.”
Originally Posted by SwanGirl:
“I haven't read through the whole thread but have skimmed the last page and knew there would be some differing opinions on how people feel regarding Lee. Firstly, I would like to say a big well done to Danny and Sally who were absolutely incredible tonight.
I must admit that going into this I have been critical of Danny's acting before and knowing tonight was quite a 'big' episode I wasn't sure he would be able to put in the level of performance needed for such a storyline but I think tonight has shown that he really has done his research and taken this very seriously, he has improved throughout and tonight it really showed in my opinion so big well done to him for putting in the hours and really getting to grips with what depression can do and how it feels.
I have been someone that has sympathised with Lee and what he is going through regarding the depression, I do think that it must be more difficult for a man to go through, especially if you come from a family of proper 'men's men' so to speak. He has seen what his dad and mother have had to go through and indeed he mentioned to Linda when he was initially diagnosed with depression and given tablets to take that he felt 'weak' in comparison to her as she had been through so much what with the rape, the pregnancy etc and she had got through it.
From the outside looking in, if others on the Square knew for instance about his depression you would get the comments of 'Oh well his mum has been through so much and she's okay! So has Whitney with the miscarriage, he should just pull himself together!'. And the comments aren't necessarily meant to be hurtful, it's just the case that a lot of people still don't really understand what depression is and how it is different from just going through a bit of a difficult time or having an 'off' day.
I think it was explained very well by Lee tonight, you see other people all around you happy, going on with their day and getting on with their lives and even though they are right there in front of you it can feel like they are millions of miles away and you are looking at them from a cell of sorts. You want to be like them, you want to take hold of your life and move it in a different direction but no matter how hard you try to break free of the cell there is something constantly there holding you back. Even if you have the most amazing support network around you it can be almost indescribable to explain how it feels to be in a skin that you absolutely hate and want to crawl out of so you put on a mask to act how everyone expects you to, smile, laugh, joke, be loud, outgoing, but inside you are literally crawling and aching.
Because of knowing that feeling, I can sympathise with Lee and what he is going through BUT I can also think that some of his actions have been pretty terrible. Ultimately, short of him murdering or raping someone, Mick and Linda will forgive and love him, it might take time but I think it would happen. In his mind, he has done too much and they will hate him. Sadly for him, despite having this chat tonight, I think things might get even worse before they get better because now he will be desperate to climb out of the hole he has got himself in so he can sort things out without having to tell everyone the whole truth.
All of us are obviously screaming at the screen 'Just tell them all now, apologise and do as much as you can to make things right!' but that is not going to be the case. The one person that he may well lose in all this is Whitney as I think she will obviously be angry at the fact that he has lied about his job, spent money he hasn't got and taken out loans, set up a robbery and stolen a charity collection to fund this lifestyle which he insists on giving her because ultimately I don't think Lee believes that Whitney truly loves him, she just loves the lifestyle and the fancy flat, presents etc.
And once the truth is out I think that is what will hurt her more than anything, the fact that Lee could not trust and believe in her enough to tell her the whole truth because he was scared of losing her if he couldn't give her the nice flat and the nice furnishings, the nice honeymoon etc.
Sorry, long post!”
“I haven't read through the whole thread but have skimmed the last page and knew there would be some differing opinions on how people feel regarding Lee. Firstly, I would like to say a big well done to Danny and Sally who were absolutely incredible tonight.
I must admit that going into this I have been critical of Danny's acting before and knowing tonight was quite a 'big' episode I wasn't sure he would be able to put in the level of performance needed for such a storyline but I think tonight has shown that he really has done his research and taken this very seriously, he has improved throughout and tonight it really showed in my opinion so big well done to him for putting in the hours and really getting to grips with what depression can do and how it feels.
I have been someone that has sympathised with Lee and what he is going through regarding the depression, I do think that it must be more difficult for a man to go through, especially if you come from a family of proper 'men's men' so to speak. He has seen what his dad and mother have had to go through and indeed he mentioned to Linda when he was initially diagnosed with depression and given tablets to take that he felt 'weak' in comparison to her as she had been through so much what with the rape, the pregnancy etc and she had got through it.
From the outside looking in, if others on the Square knew for instance about his depression you would get the comments of 'Oh well his mum has been through so much and she's okay! So has Whitney with the miscarriage, he should just pull himself together!'. And the comments aren't necessarily meant to be hurtful, it's just the case that a lot of people still don't really understand what depression is and how it is different from just going through a bit of a difficult time or having an 'off' day.
I think it was explained very well by Lee tonight, you see other people all around you happy, going on with their day and getting on with their lives and even though they are right there in front of you it can feel like they are millions of miles away and you are looking at them from a cell of sorts. You want to be like them, you want to take hold of your life and move it in a different direction but no matter how hard you try to break free of the cell there is something constantly there holding you back. Even if you have the most amazing support network around you it can be almost indescribable to explain how it feels to be in a skin that you absolutely hate and want to crawl out of so you put on a mask to act how everyone expects you to, smile, laugh, joke, be loud, outgoing, but inside you are literally crawling and aching.
Because of knowing that feeling, I can sympathise with Lee and what he is going through BUT I can also think that some of his actions have been pretty terrible. Ultimately, short of him murdering or raping someone, Mick and Linda will forgive and love him, it might take time but I think it would happen. In his mind, he has done too much and they will hate him. Sadly for him, despite having this chat tonight, I think things might get even worse before they get better because now he will be desperate to climb out of the hole he has got himself in so he can sort things out without having to tell everyone the whole truth.
All of us are obviously screaming at the screen 'Just tell them all now, apologise and do as much as you can to make things right!' but that is not going to be the case. The one person that he may well lose in all this is Whitney as I think she will obviously be angry at the fact that he has lied about his job, spent money he hasn't got and taken out loans, set up a robbery and stolen a charity collection to fund this lifestyle which he insists on giving her because ultimately I don't think Lee believes that Whitney truly loves him, she just loves the lifestyle and the fancy flat, presents etc.
And once the truth is out I think that is what will hurt her more than anything, the fact that Lee could not trust and believe in her enough to tell her the whole truth because he was scared of losing her if he couldn't give her the nice flat and the nice furnishings, the nice honeymoon etc.
Sorry, long post!”
Brilliant posts, where's the like button when you need it!
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