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I LOVE Hollyoaks, but... |
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#1 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 224
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I LOVE Hollyoaks, but...
...I feel some things are letting it down.
The thing that annoys me most is the theme tune/titles. If Bryan Kirkwood wanted it to be taken more seriously, then why would he make them so tacky and annoying? I mute it whenever it comes on. Yes, the show is centered around young people, but it doesn't add to the show, it just makes it look stupid and ruins emotional ending scenes! I admit, it was okay at first because they were all filmed with the same sort of 'look' but Ste's, Lauren's, Newt's etc. are really bad and don't fit in...and what is with the purple thing?! They should bring back the old music, but with longer lasting titles so they don't have to add/remove characters every other week. I think that shots of different parts of Hollyoaks would be a good idea. Something simple but interesting enough. It would suit the show much more, imo.When I started watching Hollyoaks (slightly under 2 years ago now) the storylines surprised me because I had always heard how bad it was when really it was very good. Who Pushed Clare, John Paul + Craig and Hannah's Anorexia all had me hooked right up until they ended. And although nowadays the storylines on the whole are good, some of them are just stupid! What's with the McQueens sharing each other's boyfriends and Mercedes getting off with everyone? Why is the talentless Ravi there when HO was supposed to be improving? It's just proving everyone right about what they already thought about the show! Lastly, I know this will probably never happen, but would it kill them to make the characters look/dress more normally? Obviously it would because everyone there is 'fit'. Can't they just hire on acting ability for once? Even though I have said this about Hollyoaks, it is still my favourite soap and I find it far more interesting than Eastenders/Corrie. What does everyone else think? |
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#2 |
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Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9,705
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For me the thing that holds HO back from being taken more seriously is the music and fantasy sequences they do at the beginning of each episode. They are becoming a bit tiresome now throwing every cliche in the book at the audience.
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#3 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 22,354
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The new titles and accompanying theme tune are an absolute horror, I agree. As a long-time fan of Hollyoaks, I can safely say that the original theme tune with the rolling film strip titles fitted in with the show much better.
At the moment, Hollyoaks has the worst titles/theme of any English-speaking soap opera in the world. Seriously, look them all up on YouTube! Hollyoaks titles 1995-2005 OR...maybe more slick and stylish... |
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#4 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9,705
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Quote:
The new titles and accompanying theme tune are an absolute horror, I agree. As a long-time fan of Hollyoaks, I can safely say that the original theme tune with the rolling film strip titles fitted in with the show much better.
At the moment, Hollyoaks has the worst titles/theme of any English-speaking soap opera in the world. Seriously, look them all up on YouTube! |
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#5 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: London
Posts: 4,721
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Quote:
For me the thing that holds HO back from being taken more seriously is the music and fantasy sequences they do at the beginning of each episode. They are becoming a bit tiresome now throwing every cliche in the book at the audience.
The theme tune is also annoying, some end scenes are just ruined by it. It doesn't even really match the soap that much, Hollyoaks is just as "depressing" as EastEnders or any other soap for that matter. |
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#6 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 37,641
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The theme tune and titles are dire, and BK is too stubborn to admit he got it wrong.
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#7 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 137
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The fantasy sequences are what makes Hollyoaks unique from the other soaps. Why does every soap have to be the same?
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#8 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Dorothy Fish Common Room
Posts: 31,210
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I know Hollyoaks is meant to be "the teen soap" (although I remember reading an article where the targetted audience was mentioned as teens-30's).... but what annoys me is how it sometimes feels that they completely forget that there are people who have watched Hollyoaks right from the start and will have grown up watching the show. Considering how Hollyoaks seems to be doing so well in the soap stakes lately I think they should make more of some of their older charcters. I mean some have/are well loved by viewers of all ages. For example who can forget the legendary Mr C..... Mike Barnes has been a hit with many as has Myra and let's not forget Jack Osborne.
I've got to the point where I hate scenes with Amy and Ste or Sarah whinging about her latest boyfriend (and what IS with some of the ridiculous clothes they make her wear? ). As for the Sasha/Fletch I couldn't care less. Don't even get me started on Niall and why his original grudge against Myra seems to have turned into him having it in for the entire village. I too hate the new credits and theme tune. It's not trendy, it's just crap and some of the poses the characters do make me cringe.
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#9 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Norwich
Posts: 2,957
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Quote:
I know Hollyoaks is meant to be "the teen soap" (although I remember reading an article where the targetted audience was mentioned as teens-30's).... but what annoys me is how it sometimes feels that they completely forget that there are people who have watched Hollyoaks right from the start and will have grown up watching the show. Considering how Hollyoaks seems to be doing so well in the soap stakes lately I think they should make more of some of their older charcters. I mean some have/are well loved by viewers of all ages. For example who can forget the legendary Mr C..... Mike Barnes has been a hit with many as has Myra and let's not forget Jack Osborne.
I've got to the point where I hate scenes with Amy and Ste or Sarah whinging about her latest boyfriend (and what IS with some of the ridiculous clothes they make her wear? ). As for the Sasha/Fletch I couldn't care less. Don't even get me started on Niall and why his original grudge against Myra seems to have turned into him having it in for the entire village. I too hate the new credits and theme tune. It's not trendy, it's just crap and some of the poses the characters do make me cringe. ![]() I have watched the show for over 11 years and I prefer the older characters and characters who have some history on the show. I just wish they would refer back to the history more often and realise that Hollyoaks does have many past characters. I know shows do evolve constantly, but it is no coincidence I feel that some of the best acting on the show is done by long established characters (Tony, Jack, Mandy, Max, OB, even Tom).I know Hollyoaks has a reputation for hiring only on good looks, but in the past it was also on acting ability wasn't it? Surely thats why many of the older cast members (Gary Lucy, James Redmond, Will Mellor, Jeremy Edwards, Natalie Casey) have gone on to do more things since leaving the show. |
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#10 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: HELL! ... 5th DB7
Posts: 10,041
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I'm a long time fan + love the theme tune!! i love the upbeatness to it!
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#11 |
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Norwich
Posts: 2,957
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I'm a long time fan + love the theme tune!! i love the upbeatness to it!
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#12 |
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: HELL! ... 5th DB7
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Really? I think it sounds cheesy, tacky and not beffting a serious soap. The old tune was much better IMO.
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#13 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 80
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I agree, I've been watching Hollyoaks and I personally love the latest credits, the only time I've hated them is when Steph was at the flat (post Max) and 'Change' was playing and it quickly hit the credits.
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#14 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,725
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I like the titles at the start but don't think they always fit at the end of the show
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#15 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 6,425
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Personally I like the opening titles, their the best they've ever been, the only thing I would do is take out Steph's backside and Calvins torso, thats letting them down.
I also love the opening sequences they do and their use of music, its what makes Hollyoaks unique, its creative and innovative I hope they never lose that or it will become boring and depressing. I want HO to remain HO, not become a carbon copy of the other soaps. |
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#16 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Norwich
Posts: 2,957
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Quote:
I admit, i do prefer the old one. But the new one's at least tollerable. I don't see why it makes it look less serious?
![]() Oh wait they were! The opening credits and new music were designed and influenced by students at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts). I don't watch Hollyoaks just because it has sexy women in it, I have watched it for as long as I have because I enjoy the storylines and characters, seeing the credits as they are at the moment is just trying to play on the casts good looks, which altho they are an attraction to many fans, there are so many other things that are good about Hollyoaks, and I want the show to move away from the idea that this is all it is. |
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#17 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 200
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have watched ho from the start... oh and wait, i couldn't care at all about the credits, seeing as it has no baring on the soap as a whole. surely most people here are just been picky???
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#18 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Dublin
Posts: 8,211
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I dont really care about the credits, Im more concerned about the quality of the show which is great at the MO, but I do know people who wont even watch 1 ep of HO because of the credits
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#19 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: stalking Eric and Booth!
Posts: 1,369
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Quote:
I know Hollyoaks is meant to be "the teen soap" (although I remember reading an article where the targetted audience was mentioned as teens-30's).... but what annoys me is how it sometimes feels that they completely forget that there are people who have watched Hollyoaks right from the start and will have grown up watching the show. Considering how Hollyoaks seems to be doing so well in the soap stakes lately I think they should make more of some of their older charcters. I mean some have/are well loved by viewers of all ages. For example who can forget the legendary Mr C..... Mike Barnes has been a hit with many as has Myra and let's not forget Jack Osborne.
I've got to the point where I hate scenes with Amy and Ste or Sarah whinging about her latest boyfriend (and what IS with some of the ridiculous clothes they make her wear? ). As for the Sasha/Fletch I couldn't care less. Don't even get me started on Niall and why his original grudge against Myra seems to have turned into him having it in for the entire village. I too hate the new credits and theme tune. It's not trendy, it's just crap and some of the poses the characters do make me cringe. ![]() yes i agree!!! to be honest i actually look out for how stupid sarahs outfit is - it is a laugh but it shouldnt really be that way i loved the original theme tune but they really did take too long changing the characters featured on it. the new one is very tacky but at least they updates the characters on it as for the fantasy sequences - i like them to some extent but recently they have been on most days and it is getting abit silly. they need to just use it every now and again i think but all in all i still love HO!! Quote:
have watched ho from the start... oh and wait, i couldn't care at all about the credits, seeing as it has no baring on the soap as a whole. surely most people here are just been picky???
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#20 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hogwarts
Posts: 26,374
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IMO at the moment Hollyoaks is THE best soap!
I'm not bothered by the opening titles I think they're quite good. |
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#21 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9,705
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Quote:
The fantasy sequences are what makes Hollyoaks unique from the other soaps. Why does every soap have to be the same?
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#22 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,096
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Quote:
...I feel some things are letting it down.
The thing that annoys me most is the theme tune/titles. If Bryan Kirkwood wanted it to be taken more seriously, then why would he make them so tacky and annoying? I mute it whenever it comes on.http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm...name_page.html he clearly states: "I'd like us to win awards. Quote:
When I started watching Hollyoaks (slightly under 2 years ago now) the storylines surprised me because I had always heard how bad it was when really it was very good. Who Pushed Clare, John Paul + Craig and Hannah's Anorexia all had me hooked right up until they ended. And although nowadays the storylines on the whole are good, some of them are just stupid! What's with the McQueens sharing each other's boyfriends and Mercedes getting off with everyone? Why is the talentless Ravi there when HO was supposed to be improving? It's just proving everyone right about what they already thought about the show!
This is Kirkwood's other big mistake. He also states in the interview that he wanted to "make Hollyoaks credible and cool like The OC and Dawson's Creek. That's where I see its future."Well I'm sorry but you can't make Hollyoaks credible if you try and make it like these shows which appeal only to a fickle schoolgirl audience. As you say, after a great 2007, the highlight of which was Hannah's anorexia (a plot which I've always felt was more old-style Hollyoaks in its approach) 2008 has been hit or miss. Great talent like Emma Rigby sidelined and overexposure of other characters ie. Sarah Barnes, Chris Fountain's contract being renewed even though his character ran out of steam ages ago, and silly affairs and partner-swapping. Quote:
Lastly, I know this will probably never happen, but would it kill them to make the characters look/dress more normally? Obviously it would because everyone there is 'fit'. Can't they just hire on acting ability for once?
Emma Rigby quite clearly stated in her Loose Women appearance that Hollyoaks was now hiring on acting ability. However, for all the complaining they do about not being taken seriously, they continue to play up the good looks of the cast and reinforce this with the Hunks and Babes calendars which do the show no favours in this direction. These either need to be done away with or just use standard publicity shots of the actors/families.Quote:
Even though I have said this about Hollyoaks, it is still my favourite soap and I find it far more interesting than Eastenders/Corrie. Well strangely enough, despite all this Hollyoaks is the only British soap that engages me at the moment. But what it really could do with is Phil Redmond to come back and run it again.
What does everyone else think? |
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#23 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 53,969
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Quote:
For me the thing that holds HO back from being taken more seriously is the music and fantasy sequences they do at the beginning of each episode. They are becoming a bit tiresome now throwing every cliche in the book at the audience.
I wasn't a big fan of the theme tune, but it's grown on me - however I think it just plays into the hands of the unfair stereotype that the only thing Hollyoaks is, is young beautiful people prancing around in little clothing!! Often they should use a commercial track and not the credit music such as the other day with the Sugababe's "Change". I think lately they have focused on the older characters - Myra, Mike and Jack and Frankie and I'm pleased about this because they're all good characters and pretty decent actors. |
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#24 |
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Banned User
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,307
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^ Phil Redmond was running the show into the ground. I don't like some of the stuff BK has done but it's been nowhere near as bad as some of the so-called "comedy" storylines Phil would pull out of the hat every episode.
The thing with the theme tune is that a soap should never really completely change it's theme tune. It should just be updated. Soap themes are recognisable and HO's old tune, while not being as immeadiately recognisable as EE's, Corrie's or Emmerdale's, was known to many. I agree the new titles are tacky but at least the update them. It must be easier to update them but I always thought the old scrolling ones would be easy to update too. It beggars belief that they used to have characters in them who'd been out of the show over a year, some of whom were even dead! |
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#25 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hogwarts
Posts: 26,374
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Max is out of the titles now
but they haven't put Leila or Ravi in yet and some of the current cast have changed their looks so they are going to update it again soon.
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I mute it whenever it comes on. Yes, the show is centered around young people, but it doesn't add to the show, it just makes it look stupid and ruins emotional ending scenes! I admit, it was okay at first because they were all filmed with the same sort of 'look' but Ste's, Lauren's, Newt's etc. are really bad and don't fit in...and what is with the purple thing?! They should bring back the old music, but with longer lasting titles so they don't have to add/remove characters every other week. I think that shots of different parts of Hollyoaks would be a good idea. Something simple but interesting enough. It would suit the show much more, imo.

). As for the Sasha/Fletch I couldn't care less. Don't even get me started on Niall and why his original grudge against Myra seems to have turned into him having it in for the entire village. 
but they haven't put Leila or Ravi in yet and some of the current cast have changed their looks so they are going to update it again soon.