Current Episode Discussion VI

[Bryan]

if Pat's sister is still alive that would be a really good storyline for them to explore, show a new side to Pat.

But I'm sure I read somewhere that most people with Downs Syndrome dont survive past their 30s due to a weakened immune system, if she was older than Pat, then she'd be in her 60s/70s, so would she really still be alive?

[Siobhan]

if Pat's sister is still alive that would be a really good storyline for them to explore, show a new side to Pat.

But I'm sure I read somewhere that most people with Downs Syndrome dont survive past their 30s due to a weakened immune system, if she was older than Pat, then she'd be in her 60s/70s, so would she really still be alive?

well according to the letter is was the late 80's when she left which is only 20 years ago so she would have been in her 40's ish...
She could be an exception. there have been known case of someone living longer with DS than expected
I have a friend who daughter has a sever condition, nobody lived past the age of 3 with same, her daughter is 21 this year!!! she has been flown around the world for studies to find out why she is living that long

[Jojo]

if Pat's sister is still alive that would be a really good storyline for them to explore, show a new side to Pat.

But I'm sure I read somewhere that most people with Downs Syndrome dont survive past their 30s due to a weakened immune system, if she was older than Pat, then she'd be in her 60s/70s, so would she really still be alive?

We have a man who lives in our village who is in his 50's has Downs. Things have progressed a long way...

Today - Life expectancy for people with Down’s syndrome was 57 years in 1997 with babies born today likely to enjoy a healthy life of sixty years and longer. Much of the improvement can be attributed to better access to health care. However, the 1999 launch of the Down’s Syndrome Association’s Health Alert campaign and the 2002 launch of its web-site training resource for health professionals, are both in response to continuing discrimination and lack of knowledge amongst some health professionals.

From: http://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/DSA...ease.aspx?pr=3

[Johnny Allen]

I liked Len and Pat together hope thats not the last we see of him, looks like the East end and him have a connection judging by his reaction when he was in Walford. Hope we seem more of him.

[Bryan]

I dont care if some people didn't like the episodes this week, I thoroughly enjoyed them. Great mixture of drama with comedy, and we've got to see a different side to some of our favourite characters.

Shirley has a heart. Heather is hilarious. Dawn is caring. Pat is just a legend! And I hope that Len re-appears in a few months to woo Pat, he's too good a character to leave as a bit part, espec after that scene where he looked around the square - I have a feeling he'll be back.

[*-Rooney-*]

im sure len will be back why bother giving pat his card otherwise, and lets face it now pats kind of a spare pat now isnt she she doesnt really have anyone does she (especially since kevin and his family have moved out)

[Joanne]

Len has obviously got history re Walford. The way he looked around at the end and then shook his head before getting back into his car indicated to me he has bad memories of the place. He certainly didn't want to hang around after dropping Pat off, although he obviously likes her alot.

I enjoyed this week - although I thought the Gary/Dawn/Minty storylines were by far the weakest. I just cannot warm to Dawn in any way.

[Kim]

I got the impression there was something there he was trying to get away from. I hope we see him again though, as it would be good for Pat to have someone in her life as she lost Roy 4 years ago.

I was glad to see Pat got a bit of a happy ending, finding that the cards were sent and that Joan was happy where she was. I would have liked to have seen the storyline go on for a bit longer though. It seemed a little easy for them to track her when they had to search for the name of the care home.

[DaVeyWaVey]

I just watched the EE omnibus as i missed some of this week's episodes and i must say i thoroughly enjoyed them. I was quite surprised as i'm never too keen on the "away" episodes but it was a refreshing change being away from the Square for a week.

Pat's storyline was my favourite - it was so sad, thought provoking and realistic - i really enjoyed it so hats off to EE for this storyline and for Pam St. Clement who put in a decent performance. The introduction of Len Harker was good too and he shaped up to be a good character over the week - i hope he's back soon. I liked his chemistry with Pat.

The Heather/Shirley stuff was great especially when Shirley smacked that man one after he said "he pulled the pig" - they have an excellent friendship and them singing in the Vic was great.

Dawn/Garry stuff was alright - i'm glad Minty and Hazel told Garry about them being an item.

[parkerman]

Len has obviously got history re Walford. The way he looked around at the end and then shook his head before getting back into his car indicated to me he has bad memories of the place. He certainly didn't want to hang around after dropping Pat off, although he obviously likes her alot.

Something to do with the mark on his arm presumably...?