Eastenders is the best thing on T.V.! (Eastenders)

Member Name: laukez

Product:	Eastenders
Date:	23/10/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent writing and gripping storylines

Disadvantages: Nothing

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past almost 25 years, I feel sure that you will know what Eastenders is. But, in summary it is BBC1's flagship soap set in fictional Walford in London. Based around Albert Square and its residents the show began in 1985 (before I was born) and has established itself as staple television for millions of viewers.

Lately, I have become addicted to the show. There isn't much on T.V. that I would class as unmissable but Eastenders is one of those rare shows for me. The storylines and writing have been outstanding lately, far beyond anything which Coronation Street and Emmerdale in their sad states of decline can offer.

Some of the most brilliant include Stacey's diagnosis with bipolar disorder, and its effect on her mother Jean who having the condition herself feels guilty. The storyline was so well crafted and acted in particular by Lacey Turner who has been outstanding as Stacey.

I've also been really won round by the Masood family who I didn't like at first but the recent pregnancy late in life storyline has been really touching and the conflicts within the family have been realistic and very touching.

But it isn't just the big explosive storylines like this one that make Eastenders what it is. It does comedy so well alongside the drama and is blessed with a lightness of touch which makes it so watchable. At once gritty and edgy it can cut away to some slapstick comedy and handle it all so well. The same episode can make you cry, and then laugh til you cry.

One of the main positives in Eastenders is the familiarity of the whole thing - the locations have changed so little with the Vic, Cafe, market, Square and allotments all having outlasted most residents. When new cast members are inroduced it is done seamlessly. For example Lucas played by the excellent Don Gilet was introduced slowly, so it isn't just like a whole new family turns up overnight. It's a subtle touch and one that Emmerdale in particular should take note of.

All in all Eastenders is excellent viewing made brilliant by outstanding writing and storylines well acted by a brilliant cast.

Eastenders is on mondays and fridays at eight, tuesdays and thursdays at half seven, and the omnibus is on sunday afternoon.

Summary: Brilliant British Telly