Can I just say that, despite all the efforts to build towards it and make us believe it, I still didn't buy the Kelly-Zoe kiss.

Oh, and two people being in love with Janine simultaneously is about as plausible as three women chasing after Gary simultaneously. I normally hate the stuff with the kids on this show but I was tuning out the wedding scenes and wandering back in for the teenagers-dying-from-the-cold scenes. Although that could have just been the promise of hot girl-on-girl action. Or Martin Fowler dying. Please?

True, that.

I loved Janine's face when Barry realized he got the heart info wrong and he would live FOREVER. She looked like she was going to die!

Charlie Brooks has been magnificent recently. So very evil, but for some reason I am on her side. Maybe it's Barry's extreme buffoonitude.

ETA Blimey! Her evilness reached spectacular new heights last night!

She pushed a man in Scotland, just to watch him die.

Okay, what is it with all of the incesty sls on this show right now? Sharon/Dennis? Kareena/Tariq? Eeeek! Or ICK!

But how great were the Barry death scenes with Janine? The recaps looked good. With CB's Janine looking(and via reading the recaps, sounding) downright chilling.

How was the Scooby Gang Duels Death in the Highlands/Mountains?

Slightly boring. But I'm starting to love Gus now. He really saved the day!

WRT Barry's death scene: Janine finally admitting her feelings for Barry was excellent. Really well-acted scenes. I don't know about the actual fall off the cliff -- maybe it's because I knew what was going to happen, but I wasn't impressed.

Yeah, I thought Charlie Brooks was a bit crap before, but she proved herself.
More bloody incest!! I feel sorry for Tariq though.

I felt really, incredibly sad for Tariq when he was stuck in that burning van. The thought of hearing all those crap things being said about you, then being burnt alive? Harsh.

But now? Once again, he makes my skin crawl. How the hell are the writers going to come up with a plausible explanation/psychological reason/excuse for his dating Kareena, when he knew full well she was his sister? Sick!

Sorry for Tariq? Serioiusly, sorry for Tariq? The guy's been nothing but an asshole since he arrived, we find out he deceived his supposed half-sister (we still have no one's word for this other than Tariq's dying mum) into snogging him, and then he proceeded to simper and whine his way through the Scotland events as well, after they saved his pathetic life. Pity him, maybe, but he needs to get over himself.

At least now he's part of the family he can go with them when they follow the DiMarcos off to a town called Obscurity.

Another one seemingly bites the dust:

Spoiler:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds12908.html

That's a shame. I really like Pat, but I recognize that she really has nothing much to do on the show these days. I didn't know Hannah Waterman was leaving, though. That's a shock. I wonder if Laura will tell Ian the baby is his before she leaves. And I wonder what Janine's exit story will be.

Wha? How the hell can those idiots even think about axing Pat? I just don't get it. They keep the crap that is the scooby gang, Feirreras, and the never ending Slaters/Moon junk, but they can't brainstorm a few storylines that include the older families of Walford? If they insist on featuring the Slaters, then why not bring on one or both of Mo's older kids? Who are Pat's niece and nephew, plus they are related to the Slater brats. And set up conflict there. Let Ian have a real sl. Something more than acting like an assy little jealous pratt. EE has an excellent sl possibility with the Beale twins being extremely troubled and having them act out. Maybe even forcing Ian to let Laura back into their lives. Those kids should miss Laura. Laura is the closest thing to a real mother that they've had. At least in their memory. Perfect chance for Pat to be a supporting role player in that sl too.

If the Corrie change works out as well as I hope(and expect) it will, I wonder how fast EE's producers will change their tune about their sls. God, if only the US soaps would do the same.

What's sl?

What's sl? SL= storyline

Thanks!

Pat? No!!!! I mean, I don't really care for the character that much when she's in the programme, but, damn. That woman's like an institution in that place. Who next? Pauline?

I say, bring back Grant. And even Peggy. That'll spice things up again.

ETA: Whoever mentioned the DiMarcos, you made my day. All their storylines were such a joke. The two sisters were annoying as hell. Then that brother with the big head. Hilarious. I did think Beppe was a bit of alright though. Nice voice.

The BBC Website is missing an episode. What happened with Janine and Barry? Did she push him off the cliff or was it an accident?

I had the same problem accessing 12-31 earlier. Try this link.


ETA I kinda suspected that Tariq's big secret was Dadvis being his father, but I was in denial because of Kareena. Ewwww doesn't seem to convey my feelings on this very well.

It was an accident. Janine was trying to leave and Barry was pulling on her arm to make her stay. He was standing on the edge of the cliff and somehow lost his balance in the struggle.

Poor old Gus. He may have had Holding Out For A Hero played in the pub, but did he get any action from the girls? Nope. He's very hard done by, that character.

Jeez, Janine, over-act much? Were you going for a Oscar in the Fifties in that big speech to Pat and Natalie? "He was just too ... too darn romantic, that crazy fool! His heart was too big! The angels took him for a friend!" I did like her shoving his ashes in a shortbread bag, though.

And Lil'Mo? Don't have the baby. No, really.

Janine was magnificent tonight. They just keep piling on her evilness, one delicious layer at a time.

'If only he'd worn slip ons'.

Soap opera line of the year.

I know!!

Oh, how I cackled. The whole scene was hilarious. But it was so over the top that Pat and Natalie must have noticed something was up. Or maybe they were too wrapped up in their emotions. I can't wait till the shit hits the fan, though. Paul looks like he's going to crack any minute.

And I must say, the girl looked fabulous when she stepped out of that cab. Who knew bereavement could do that to a girl?

Heh. Me, too.

I loved Janine's OTT speech. Completely ridiculous, but hysterical.

As soon as Nat started going on about funeral arrangements and Janine picked up the shortbread bag, I went "Noooooo!!" and then I laughed for about five minutes. That was fantastic. I love Janine.

Poor little Billy. The way his face lit up for a split second when Mo said she was preggers, but then he suddenly realised. Awful. I'm a bit torn with this storyline. I know Mo desperately wants a baby, and she doesn't seem like the sort of person who would ever consider an abortion anyway, and I think she'd certainly be able to separate the baby from her attacker in her head, but still.....how can she expect for one second that she could keep both her rapists baby and Billy? It seems terribly unfair to cut her husband out of the decision making process altogether just cost his seed didn't contribute. My sis was saying she could have given it up for adoption if she didn't want an abortion, but I think Mo just wants a baby for her own, like now.

e.t.a: Spoiler conundrum - any guesses on the identity of this person? An old face from the past who literally falls into the Square, who Kat ends up playing nurse to, who Alfie enlists Sams help in getting rid of from living in the Vic, and who Sam takes a shine to? I can't think who it might be.

Well, apparently Nigel is coming back for a bit, so it could possibly be him. But I don't see why he'd be living at the Vic, instead of with Dot, and also wouldn't really have thought he'd be Sam's type!

Nigel? *searches brain for a Nigel* Do you mean Dots son, Nasty Nick? I hope he's not coming back, I'm incredibly sick of him. He's also a bit inept, and if we're having an inept baddie, I'd rather it be Ian, as he's had very little to do lately.

Burping Frog, Nigel was Grant Mitchell's best friend from.... I think it was the mid-90s? He was a bit of a bumbling idiot who reminded me a bit in appearance of a fat Doctor Who but was very sweet. During his stay on EE he married a someone whos name I forget but then she fell terminally ill with I think cancer and died, leaving him to bring up his step-daughter Claire. For a while there was a big threat that she'd be taken away from him by her natural father but that all worked itself out. Oh and I think he helped Tiffany escape Grant once or something because I remember them having a massive falling out. Plus he wore the most hideous coloured ties that make Barry's look tame in comparison. Sorry for the vagueness of it all but its years since I've heard mention of the character.

I think the returning character being talked about could be Andy as he's meant to be back in January (plus he's on all of the magazines here in the UK). Then Alfie would certainly want shot of him and we all know Sam falls for (and sleeps with) any man whos a complete creep and pyscho (Steve Owen, Trevor, anyone whos an enemy of her brothers - the list goes on and on...! )

I think Nigel's wife was called Debbie, and I think she died more suddenly, like she got knocked down by a car or something. They really should pedestrianize the Square. :)

Anyway, I'm with Promethea, I can't see Sam falling for Nigel so I don't think he's the old face in that particular spoiler. I wonder what he'll be doing if he comes back – I'm trying to remember what he used to do when he was around before, aside from being Grant's unlikely best mate.

As for Andy, even though I can see Sam taking a shine to him ('cause I think he's kinda cute) I'm not sure he really counts as "an old face from the past" – wasn't he just in it over Christmas when Den talked to him about Phil?

So in conclusion, I have no idea who the old face might be. Ooh, what if it's Wicksy? That would be cool.

Actually, all this talk of old faces has reminded me of the crapfest that was the EastEnders Christmas party. I know the godawfulness of it - I'm looking at you Shane Richie - has already been discussed here but I was really surprised by just how many old faces showed up for it. Doctor Legg, Frank Butcher, Lou Beale, Gita, Colin, Eddie the landlord, Hattie... and lots more that I can't remember right now. It was quite good fun trying to remember everyone's names – more fun than the actual show was.

I'm always up for more slagging off of the Christmas Knees-Up. They owe me an hour of my life. I thought it was kinda funny that "Dr Legg" did that whole thing about "I am a Shakespearean ack-tor, I am not a real doctor!" in such a tragically stagey way.

I couldn't bear any of those other old characters to come back. Well, maybe Lou Beale if she wasn't dead.

Thanks, Scattia. I vaguely remember a child Claire and her tug-of-love storyline going on FAR too long, but the chap in questions face escapes me.

I too saw yesterday a magazine cover that had "Andy! He's Back!" on it, so I guess it must be him, but he's so not an old face so that description drives me up the wall.

I think it's Andy as well, even though he's not what I would call "an old face" either. If it's him, Alfie's gonna go crazy!

As for last night's episode: what the hell is up with Kate? Why is she taking so much of Sam's abuse without hardly saying a word? She didn't strike me as someone who would (day after day it seems) take Sam's nasty comments and ignore them.

burping frog, it might help you place him if you picture a Kevin Keegan perm.

As shown in this picture!!!!! Its also got all the info about him - and you were right about his wife KarrieK - there's just been to many car accidents in the Square for any of them to stand out!

ETA: Is the info I've written above okay out of spoiler tags? I think its all okay but I'm always wary about posting here at TWoP and I don't want to ruin it for anyone!

Aaaarrrrghhh! Dammit, there's a link I wished I hadn't clicked on. I hated that drippy moany fucker!

(I think its OK, Scattia, since none of its actually a spoiler at all, unless we're all eerily psychic!)

Right: who thinks that Minty is in LUV with Sham Sam? Can't wait for his touching confession.

Or maybe he's in love with Phil, of course ...

Aww, very sad about Billy and Lil'Mo not making it. Quite good acting there, I have to say. Why did the scriptwriters have to be so horrible and break them up, not to mention inflicting offensive storyline on Mo? Is it because of Alfie & Kat - are only one couple allowed to be happy at a time?

Also, I must have missed something, because I don't remember Lynne telling the family she was back with Garry. How did this happen?

* raises hand *

After Laura caught Garry and Lynn canoodling at her flat, Garry moved in with Lynn. He wanted to leave before the family found out about him (to give Lynn time to tell them), but they waltzed into the kitchen, found him, and Garry & Lynn blurted out their story to the fam.

So Sham is going to 'get serious' now? an't she and Kate just have a throwdown in the middle of the square. That would have been better than the EE Xmas party.

Kate's 'lap dog' analogy was very apt tonight as Billy and Minty (Sham's entire firm) just sound like the names for two Yorkshire Terriers or something.

Hee!

Anything would have been better than the EE Xmas party ...

And thanks, Mrs Visnjic. That family's heard a fair bit of blurting out lately - what next, will Zoe suddenly declare her lesbionic episode while passing the salt?

So for those of us who are in the US and therefore currently bereft of EastEnders....

What's Zoe's lesbionic episode and does it bode anything for the future?

Woo hoo! Waveguide spoilers are up!

Monday, January 26

Janine is thrilled when Ricky decides that they can become a proper family again and that he is moving in with her. However, Pat is suspicious when she sees Dot with Barry's record collection, which Janine had thrown out.

Paul continues to attempt to blunt his feelings of guilt by drinking and Janine is disgusted with his behaviour.

Andy decides it is time to move on but something changes his mind, and Zoe and Kelly give Kareena a makeover to help her win back Tariq.

Tuesday, January 27

Pat's suspicions are heightened when Patrick tells her that Janine and Paul have fallen out. She thinks that Paul is hiding something and tells Ricky that perhaps it is time to have a talk with Paul.

Sam wakes up a happy woman and Sharon applies for a bank loan to start up the club.

While Kareena is delighted that Tariq has paid her a compliment, Mickey is disgusted that Tariq is leading her on and tells him that it is time for the truth.

Meanwhile, Lynne sticks her oar in with Janine as she tries to protect Charlie but only succeeds in doing him out of a job.

Thursday, January 29

An insistent Pat forces Ricky to question Janine, but he is far from keen, worried about what he might hear.

Mickey tries to persuade Tariq to tell Kareena the truth. When Tariq meets with Kareena, she's convinced that he is going to tell her that he loves her, but she is in for a shock. However, Tariq cannot bear to tell her and, instead, causes an argument and storms off. In a foul mood, he gets into an argument with a group of lads, and Ronny, who arrives to bail him out, ends up in more trouble than he bargained for.

Meanwhile, Lynne tells Garry that as they are saving to help Charlie he must cut the money that he gives to Laura but, inevitably, Laura's reaction is far from supportive.

At the Brannings, Jim is unhappy about Martin and Sonia's relationship, and it is up to Dot to talk him round.

Friday, January 30

A panicked Tariq runs to find Ash and Adi and tells them that Ronny is being attacked. But by the time they get back to him, he is in a serious condition. As they wait for the ambulance, Ronny loses consciousness.

Ricky tells Janine that it is time for the truth. When she desperately spins a web of lies about Paul's jealousy, he sees through it and demands to know what is really going on.

Seems like a tad boring week. And doesn't Sharon have insurance on her club/bar? Or is the insurance company stalling or just refusing to payout, due to any arson charges?

After the bus crashed in Scotland, Zoe and Kelly kissed while waiting for the others to get help for Zoe (her leg was mangled in the accident). In last night's episode, it looked like Zoe was trying to avoid being alone with Kelly to discuss what happened. I don't know if there will be more about this in the future, but I bet there will be.

WRT spoilers:Tariq is a f*****g tool.

I also hope that Ricky busts Janine on the lie she's told. Maybe this will be her exit arc? Does anyone know when Charlie Brooks is leaving the show?

Ugh. Lynne's such a sour-faced old bag. There she goes again, trying to deprive Gary's (so-called) son of what he needs.

And as for Tariq: I shudder.

Tariq: It's obviously yucksome because of the incest thing. But it's also yucksome that Kareena would need a 'makeover' to 'win back' this pathetic creepy not-at-all-attractive guy anyway! What are we supposed to believe that she sees in him, again? It would make the plot more convincing if he had any attractive qualities. Then again, I suppose they don't want anyone rooting for the incest twins.

Cynically, I think it will turn out that Tariq got the wrong end of the stick and it's some other Elvis-loving Uncle D that impregnated his mum.

Yeah, Lynne's a fucking cow. Thank God she's going in the next few months - can't come soon enough for me. But by the looks of it, Gary just toddles along like a good little lapdog and cuts off the supply to little Bobby. So he's a bitch, too.
How little do I give a shit about Ronnie being beaten to a pulp? Or about boring Tariq and boring Kareena? And we have to suffer through more of Andy trying desperately to do look hard? *Yawwwwwnnn*

I remember reading that she is leaving around March or April. I'm gonna miss her, Janine's one of my favorite characters.

I'm now watching the Little Mo post-rape episodes. On the actual rape ep, I hurt my knees from ducking all the anvils...Mo feeling good about herself, Billy coming around about her working at the Vic, the patrons being impressed with her. I'm still a little skeptical about how all this will play out, but I was really impressed with Mo deciding to stand up for herself and report the attack. The scenes with her and Billy at the police station were done very well.

Oooh, now on to the Kat-Alfie wedding hijinks.

That can't be true, can it?

God, I hope not.

With Mopey's not so steller case, I could see that her being pregnant with Graham's child being a major prejudice against her case. This entire case really will be a he said, she said case. Mopey didn't immediately report it and so there was nothing left for a rape kit. She waited for days to do anything.

A decent defense attorney would shred Mopey on the witness stand. And the shattered state of her marriage should most definitely be brought up. Her husband doesn't want to raise another man's child. A child she claims is the result of rape. But she absolutely refuses to even think of abortion or even adoption. Husband gives her an ultimatium: baby or their marriage. She chooses her so called rape baby. You put that story in the court room and I wouldn't be shocked if the accused got off. And just to make it even more soapy, what about Graham's parental rights to the baby? It would be extremely interesting to discover the real life laws(if there are any) on that issue.

It would be very intrigueing to see the whole case play out. I for one don't think that Mopey would be a great witness for her case. She has a criminal record. Previous bad relationships. I can actually see a defense attorney salivating to cross her. I think that it wouldn't be too hard to portray her as a lying, adulterous woman. Billy and Mopey are in a bit of a rough patch in their marriage. So she meets the schmuck in the place of her employment, a bar. She has a one night stand. Mopey's afraid of Billy finding out about the affair so she decides to claim rape. It could even be argued that she planned to get pregnant. Then she feared Billy would figure things out and so she decided to fess up, but to claim rape. To keep her good standing. I think that a jury would buy that theory.

That better not be it for the lesbionics. What a bloody let down.

Heh.

Minty is soooo in love with Sam. He kept dropping hints and she ignored it.

Yay! Waveguide spoilers are up!

Monday, February 02

Ricky is determined to avoid Janine and convinces Gus to let him hide out at his flat. Janine begs him to see her and is desperate for him to keep her secret.

Derek prepares for an interview at the Community Centre but Pauline's mind is elsewhere.

Meanwhile, marital bliss is short-lived for Kat and Alfie, who bicker about chores at the Vic. With Nana Moon due home, someone needs to take charge and Kat is determined that it's not going to be her.

The distressed Ferreira kids get ready for their blood tests, knowing that Ronny's life hangs in the balance. And, following his arrest, Charlie finds out whether he is going to be allowed to keep his cab license.

Tuesday, February 03

Ricky confides in Gus about his problems and makes a decision about his future.

Mickey urges Tariq to tell the truth and help the Ferreiras, realising that he may be Ronny's last chance. Finding himself in the middle of a desperate situation, Mickey knows that he should act.

Charlie tries to remain positive and the Slaters rally round.

Thursday, February 05

Kareena tells Ash and Adi that Mickey has upset her and, when the boys confront Mickey, they suspect that it is all a lie.

Meanwhile, Mickey must confess to Tariq that his secret has been blown, and the family faces a challenging time.

Friday, February 06

It is Charlie's day in court and he gets a suitcase ready, preparing for the worst. Kat and Mo attempt to make him change his plea to not guilty but he remains defiant. The solicitor arms him with further advice but the last thing the family is prepared for is
Graham's appearance in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, Tariq has to decide whether or not to take the tests to see if his blood matches Ronny's, and Pat berates Paul for lying about Barry. Sharon has to consider whether or not to sell the club and Dennis tries to influence her decision.

Elsewhere, Kelly finds herself a new flatmate.


Ah, the always exciting, the proof's in the pudding, not at all cliched blood test. Doesn't seem like a bad week. Well, outside of the boring as hell Slutty and Fool junk. At least it isn't GL, GH, or Days. God help us all.