My 1996 Soap Catastrophe Premonition
Below is a clip of me on Channel 4's 'Right To Reply', screened in December 1996, which predicted the demise in quality of the UK soaps. How right I was (unfortunately!) #RightToReply #Brookside #EastEnders #Emmerdale #Channel5 #FamilyAffairs #soapopera #deathofsoapopera #decliningviewers
BROOKSIDE: A WARNING FOR MODERN BRITISH SOAP OPERA
This month as UK soap fans well know, a helicopter crashed into Emmerdale causing untold death and destruction, much tabloid media coverage, and a temporary spike in ratings. But whilst the ivory tower ensconced television producers of Emmerdale will no doubt have been celebrating, this sensationalist grab at a summer ratings boost hails yet another nail in the coffin of what was once the great British television soap opera. How do we know? Because ‘Brookside’ – that pioneeri
NEIGHBOURS: Great But Not Perfect? What Do You Think Is Still Wrong With It?
I was a huge fan of Neighbours when it started but switched off towards the late 90's, after Harold's dramatic return.
After dipping in and out over the years, this past year has been the best it's been in about 20 years but it's still not perfect.
A few reasons stand out for me:
1) Too many weak, under developed characters.
In the glory days everyone was a central character and were psychologically developed, even young Lucy Robinson. And the characters were extremely
EastEnders: Years of Neglect, Somebody Call Social Services
I've been watching for a while and I've absolutely no idea what has suddenly turned Bobby Beale into a mini Damien, unless it's the fact he's addicted to Minecraft and video games.
The only plausible fact I can see is the years of neglect. The fact that whenever he's in a scene he's quickly asked to leave the room or go upstairs.
I suppose that would get to you after a while. (As published on Digital Spy: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2097686&highlight=)
EastEnders: Which characters do you actually give a toss about?
I've watched EastEnders for years, was really into it when it first started, but I've gotta say of the current cast I don't think I actually care two hoots about any of them, with the exception being Pam Coker who until recently has always put on a smile for everyone but is now struggling with Paul's accusations.
The hallmark of a great soap is that you really care about its characters and in years gone by I can honestly say I did: Pauline and Arthur Fowler, Lofty, Angie Wa
Being Murdered in Soapland has Become as Generic as Leaving in a Black Cab!
So the big news is that Lucy Beale of EastEnders is soon to meet her maker in the next few months. So while quite shocked that TPTB can be so casual in their slaughter of a young character with a promising future ahead of them - even if the actress currently in the role is less interesting than a stale roll on sale in Ian's cafe - I can't but feel this again is sensational storylining gone mad, which has led to a massive decline in the quality of a hugely powerful media.
Be
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