Current Episode Discussion VI

[parkerman]

While I wouldn't go so far as to say last night's episode was brilliant, I think it was the best for a long time with some real issues being discussed and the cut away bits to Stella and Ben were good too.

If they can keep going they might get back to the good old days. Sadly however we will soon be back to Max and Stacey, Dot and the baby, Garry and Minty, "the loveable clowns", etc. etc. and it'll all have been just a one-off.

[Karen W]

That was one of the great episodes. It worked on so many levels. OK the thunderstorm was a bit melodramatic, but it did add to the atmosphere.

After a day when everyone was complaining about Phil Daniel's acting I felt he put in probably his best performance since joining the soap. Such a wise, experienced Dad, dishing out great advice - and getting it so wrong. If only he had understood what the problem really was. Then we had Max with his double standards being completely misinterpreted. It was also good to hear Phil try to explain things from his point of view. So many crossed wires - the dramatic irony was in overdrive.

Meanwhile upstairs Stella was quite simply terrifying. Ben's bruises were shocking and I'm glad they didn't go so far as to show Stella actually hurting Ben - it's enough to know that she is.
I noticed that after the program they posted a link to a help line. This bullying story is at such a pitch now that I feel the BBC need to do more to explain why they are doing this story. I know on the website they have interviews and explanations but the vast majority of viewers won't see that. They could do more to encourage youngsters to speak out if they find themselves in this kind of situation.

Small point. After closing time Phil and Max were paying Phil for their drinks. Isn't that a bit illegal or have the regulations relaxed now?

[parkerman]

Small point. After closing time Phil and Max were paying Phil for their drinks. Isn't that a bit illegal or have the regulations relaxed now?

Phil involved in something illegal? I can't believe it!

[alan45]

Small point. After closing time Phil and Max were paying Phil for their drinks. Isn't that a bit illegal or have the regulations relaxed now?

Phil involved in something illegal? I can't believe it!

After getting off with Murder, Possession of Firearms and escape from lawful custody Im sure a little breach of the licencing laws would hardly bother Beetroot Man. After all he has the Met and the CPS in his back pocket not to mention he hires the best lawyers in London

[Abbie]

Okay so Ive missed a few episodes, well quite a few as I keep only watching little bits, so whats going on with the Stella/Ben storyline?

[Lizzie Brookes]

Ben started distancing from Phil and when phil went into his bedoom started covering himself up - probably because Stella was ill treating him. Phil talked over his worries with Kevin and Max - saying Ben is fine with Stella and peggy but not with him. Though sceptical when Kevin pointed out puberrty might be the reason he talked to Ben. When Ben started to try to tellhim what was happening Phil completely confused him by sying he knew and that it happens to all men and its normal and natural and would tell Ben more when Ben started to like girls.

[Richie_lecturer]

Thursday's wasn't too bad, with some down to earth scenes in the Vic. Friday however was back to 'gauging eyes out' viewing. I thought the Phil/Ben misunderstanding was stupid, but nothing compared to the awful acting of Carly and Deano, and Kevin. Add some 'helpful' advice from Sir Gus of Camelot (not about sausage poetry for a change) and Mickey Miller and it's like a plague of bubonic blisters.

[alan45]

and it's like a plague of bubonic blisters.

But a lot less fun

[Pinkbanana]

Thursday's wasn't too bad, with some down to earth scenes in the Vic. Friday however was back to 'gauging eyes out' viewing. I thought the Phil/Ben misunderstanding was stupid, but nothing compared to the awful acting of Carly and Deano, and Kevin. Add some 'helpful' advice from Sir Gus of Camelot (not about sausage poetry for a change) and Mickey Miller and it's like a plague of bubonic blisters.

I agree 100% about the acting of Carly and Deanooooooo - so OTT. Though I've never warmed to their characters much either...

Deanooo = annoying prat

Carly = whinging & annoying

[DaVeyWaVey]

I actually like Deano's acting especially the scene where he told Libby imagine Chelsea dead. I can't stand Carly though and her mood swings! Does she really have to shout all the time?! I wish the writers made her character a bit more fun loving.