EE: Not Learning From Previous Mistakes (Spoiler) - Soaps

Sinbazro_05 · 17-12-2005, 23:11

I can't believe the writers would even consider killing off Kathy Beale/Mitchell. I thought they would have learnt their lesson after killing Angie Watts off-screen shortly before Granthum confirmed he'd return. Giving the legendary Cindy Beale an off-screen death was another mistake.

Why bother bringing back Ben Mitchell. He's only about eight or nine and will add nothing to the show. After the custody battle storyline he'll spend the next five or six years in his room before emerging with a new head.

iiHEARTy0u · 18-12-2005, 00:38

Yeah good point.

-Brodie

cuppy_girl_17 · 18-12-2005, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinbazro_05

I can't believe the writers would even consider killing off Kathy Beale/Mitchell. I thought they would have learnt their lesson after killing Angie Watts off-screen shortly before Granthum confirmed he'd return. Giving the legendary Cindy Beale an off-screen death was another mistake.

Why bother bringing back Ben Mitchell. He's only about eight or nine and will add nothing to the show. After the custody battle storyline he'll spend the next five or six years in his room before emerging with a new head.

Yeah i agree

Steven G · 18-12-2005, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinbazro_05

I can't believe the writers would even consider killing off Kathy Beale/Mitchell. I thought they would have learnt their lesson after killing Angie Watts off-screen shortly before Granthum confirmed he'd return. Giving the legendary Cindy Beale an off-screen death was another mistake.

Why bother bringing back Ben Mitchell. He's only about eight or nine and will add nothing to the show. After the custody battle storyline he'll spend the next five or six years in his room before emerging with a new head.

Gillian has asked several times since 2001 to return to the show and each time said no. If they want to kill her off let them she has no plas to go back even if Gillian said she did. This reminds me of something I read on anither forum and its not the writers who do this.

Lenfairclough · 18-12-2005, 09:34

I think it's a bad move... It was a mistake to kill Angie and Cindy, now Kathy?? As has been said it is being don to introduce a pointless character and a less than original story

Coconut06 · 18-12-2005, 09:42

I don't see a problem she has not been in it for ten years anyway.

soap addict · 18-12-2005, 09:58

EE is fast becoming one big mistake. Why do so many characters have to be killed off? People leave areas for a variety of reasons and I would think it would be wise to leave doors open wherever possible as they did with Grant and Phil. After all you never know when you may have to resort to dragging characters back into the programme to try to improve the ratings!

DenWatts · 18-12-2005, 10:13

To say that I'm not keen on the idea of killing off Kathy would be an understatement.

Imagine the fireworks between Phil/Kathy/Grant if she was to return.

I never agreed with the killing-off of Angie, but at least that provided a reason for Sharon to return to the square (although I still think tptb should have thought of something else.)

I agree with the OP in that this will probably lead to the one story, i.e. the custody battle, and then Ben will be dropped back into the background again.

Although I tend to watch something before I make my mind up about it, I'm already not liking the sound of this story.

Crystal Clear · 18-12-2005, 10:18

Has this been confirmed yet though? Jacki Stevens said something about it but apart from that I've never heard anything else but like people have said if the actress had no plans to go back what is the problem? I don't think Anita Dobson wanted to go back niether and she sad she was pleased they killed her off. Not because she dislikes the show but because it ended her story.

Lippincote · 18-12-2005, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenWatts

To say that I'm not keen on the idea of killing off Kathy would be an understatement.

Imagine the fireworks between Phil/Kathy/Grant if she was to return.

I never agreed with the killing-off of Angie, but at least that provided a reason for Sharon to return to the square (although I still think tptb should have thought of something else.)

I agree with the OP in that this will probably lead to the one story, i.e. the custody battle, and then Ben will be dropped back into the background again.

Although I tend to watch something before I make my mind up about it, I'm already not liking the sound of this story.

I agree, the storyliners seem to jump in feet first without considering the longer term implications - e.g. in killing Den off. That meant they drove a great character, Chrissie, down a cul de sac, and tortured us with months of hacky faces from her and Sam.

As you say, the only point to the Kathy storyline is the doubtless tedious point-scoring custody battle between Phil and Ian.

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 10:26

Anita Dobson was asked back several times and declined so what were they supposed to do? They had to end Angie's story somehow, she would still have died off-screen whether it be in 2002 or 2008.

DenWatts · 18-12-2005, 10:29

That's an interesting point actually, Lippincote.

Does Easties actually have storyliners?

I know other soaps do, but I thought EE's storylines were dictated by the producers?

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 10:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenWatts

That's an interesting point actually, Lippincote.

Does Easties actually have storyliners?

I know other soaps do, but I thought EE's storylines were dictated by the producers?

They have/had a story producer but I don't know what he did/does. He's vanished from the credits now but he was called Huw Kennair-Jones.

DenWatts · 18-12-2005, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pansiks

Anita Dobson was asked back several times and declined so what were they supposed to do? They had to end Angie's story somehow, she would still have died off-screen whether it be in 2002 or 2008.

I think that the last time they asked her she'd refused to do any tv work whatsoever. She obviously changed her mind recently though, as she appeared in The Bill.

The problem is that once killed-off, it's a bit difficult to bring a character back. (I didn't say it was impossible.

)

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 10:34

I doubt she would ever have come back, she said in an interview once "why ruin the gorgeous creation that was Angie Watts?" I tend to agree with her, thank god she didn't come back. Den had some good stuff to do and some bad stuff to do as well but for long term viewers I bet Den Watts is mostly remembered for stint II than stint I which is a shame as he was more of a legend during stint I and all the younger viewers think that stint II was who Den Watts was which is a shame really because TPTB turned him into a bit of a pervert.

DenWatts · 18-12-2005, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pansiks

They have/had a story producer but I don't know what he did/does. He's vanished from the credits now but he was called Huw Kennair-Jones.

Oh right - thanks for that.

I know Tony Jordan has returned as 'lead writer' but I wonder how much sway he has in terms of dictating story arcs?

I think he's way too busy with his other projects to devote his time and attentions to EE, so maybe having a couple of dedicated 'storyliners' would be a good idea?

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 10:38

The problem is the writers don't meet up very often I believe and that's why they have all kinds of continuity errors. EastEnders has so many writers though that I doubt they'd fit into one room.

DenWatts · 18-12-2005, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pansiks

I doubt she would ever have come back, she said in an interview once "why ruin the gorgeous creation that was Angie Watts?" I tend to agree with her, thank god she didn't come back. Den had some good stuff to do and some bad stuff to do as well but for long term viewers I bet Den Watts is mostly remembered for stint II than stint I which is a shame as he was more of a legend during stint I and all the younger viewers think that stint II was who Den Watts was which is a shame really because TPTB turned him into a bit of a pervert.

You (and Anita) make a fair point about bringing back Angie - and yes, I agree about Den insofar that he will only be remembered for 'stint II' by a lot of people. Thankfully, some of us still remember his first run during which I thought he was wonderful.

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 10:49

I feel they tarnished the character, that's not to say it won't be rememebred but they tarnished it.

That's why I'm glad Angie didn't come back, apart from the initial shock what could they have done with her?

Lippincote · 18-12-2005, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenWatts

.

I know Tony Jordan has returned as 'lead writer' but I wonder how much sway he has in terms of dictating story arcs?

I think he's way too busy with his other projects to devote his time and attentions to EE, so maybe having a couple of dedicated 'storyliners' would be a good idea?

I think we need Trixie to answer the question of storyliners

They did used to have storyliners credited AFAIR, I'm trying to think back, I haven't looked for a while.
I can't believe KH thinks up all the storylines on her own?

Uncle Fester · 18-12-2005, 13:40

A lot of actors leave Soaps because they think they can do better in the real world of Acting and when they find they can't they then plead with the Soap makers for a return, tough, they made their beds so as far as I am concerned they can lie in it

Polly_Perkins · 18-12-2005, 13:46

I wish they would just come up with something more original really. I find the Ian vs Phil stuff boring. Phil needs a storyline of his own, outside of Ian. Like when he was with Lisa but all his storylines seem to focus on his children or revenge. All very dull.

Pansiks · 18-12-2005, 13:48

Phil is passed his sell by date now, what is he still doing there?

I can't believe they're going to kill off Kathy for this predictable nonsense which will soon be forgotten about once they've had their custody battle.

I always hoped Kathy would return one day, I'm still hoping this isn't true though.

SULLA · 18-12-2005, 14:02

I fail to see why there would be a custody battle. Young beetroot, as the natural child of the older Veg, would become a Mitchell

Polly_Perkins · 18-12-2005, 14:11

I think its a huge misake, as already said. Why are they in such a rush with all of this, cant they think of something else.

Eastenders could go on for years and Gillian ould come back and if not cant long term fans at least be allowed to think shes out there somewhere.

Its a real cop out. I really hope they change their mind about this.

17-12-2005, 23:11	#1
Sinbazro_05 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 379	EE: Not Learning From Previous Mistakes (Spoiler) I can't believe the writers would even consider killing off Kathy Beale/Mitchell. I thought they would have learnt their lesson after killing Angie Watts off-screen shortly before Granthum confirmed he'd return. Giving the legendary Cindy Beale an off-screen death was another mistake. Why bother bringing back Ben Mitchell. He's only about eight or nine and will add nothing to the show. After the custody battle storyline he'll spend the next five or six years in his room before emerging with a new head.

18-12-2005, 00:38	#2
iiHEARTy0u Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Scotland xx Posts: 8,468	Yeah good point. -Brodie

18-12-2005, 09:34	#5
Lenfairclough Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 529	I think it's a bad move... It was a mistake to kill Angie and Cindy, now Kathy?? As has been said it is being don to introduce a pointless character and a less than original story

18-12-2005, 09:42	#6
Coconut06 Banned User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 880	I don't see a problem she has not been in it for ten years anyway.

18-12-2005, 09:58	#7
soap addict Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 343	EE is fast becoming one big mistake. Why do so many characters have to be killed off? People leave areas for a variety of reasons and I would think it would be wise to leave doors open wherever possible as they did with Grant and Phil. After all you never know when you may have to resort to dragging characters back into the programme to try to improve the ratings!

18-12-2005, 10:13	#8
DenWatts Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here in spirit! Services: SKY+, Sky Max Posts: 9,606	To say that I'm not keen on the idea of killing off Kathy would be an understatement. Imagine the fireworks between Phil/Kathy/Grant if she was to return. I never agreed with the killing-off of Angie, but at least that provided a reason for Sharon to return to the square (although I still think tptb should have thought of something else.) I agree with the OP in that this will probably lead to the one story, i.e. the custody battle, and then Ben will be dropped back into the background again. Although I tend to watch something before I make my mind up about it, I'm already not liking the sound of this story.

18-12-2005, 10:18	#9
Crystal Clear Banned User Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 528	Has this been confirmed yet though? Jacki Stevens said something about it but apart from that I've never heard anything else but like people have said if the actress had no plans to go back what is the problem? I don't think Anita Dobson wanted to go back niether and she sad she was pleased they killed her off. Not because she dislikes the show but because it ended her story.

18-12-2005, 10:26	#11
Pansiks Banned User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,935	Anita Dobson was asked back several times and declined so what were they supposed to do? They had to end Angie's story somehow, she would still have died off-screen whether it be in 2002 or 2008.

18-12-2005, 10:29	#12
DenWatts Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here in spirit! Services: SKY+, Sky Max Posts: 9,606	That's an interesting point actually, Lippincote. Does Easties actually have storyliners? I know other soaps do, but I thought EE's storylines were dictated by the producers?

18-12-2005, 10:34	#15
Pansiks Banned User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,935	I doubt she would ever have come back, she said in an interview once "why ruin the gorgeous creation that was Angie Watts?" I tend to agree with her, thank god she didn't come back. Den had some good stuff to do and some bad stuff to do as well but for long term viewers I bet Den Watts is mostly remembered for stint II than stint I which is a shame as he was more of a legend during stint I and all the younger viewers think that stint II was who Den Watts was which is a shame really because TPTB turned him into a bit of a pervert.

18-12-2005, 10:38	#17
Pansiks Banned User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,935	The problem is the writers don't meet up very often I believe and that's why they have all kinds of continuity errors. EastEnders has so many writers though that I doubt they'd fit into one room.

18-12-2005, 10:49	#19
Pansiks Banned User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,935	I feel they tarnished the character, that's not to say it won't be rememebred but they tarnished it. That's why I'm glad Angie didn't come back, apart from the initial shock what could they have done with her?

18-12-2005, 13:40	#21
Uncle Fester Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Cardiff Services: Virgin Media Posts: 9,335 Blog Entries: 2	A lot of actors leave Soaps because they think they can do better in the real world of Acting and when they find they can't they then plead with the Soap makers for a return, tough, they made their beds so as far as I am concerned they can lie in it

18-12-2005, 13:46	#22
Polly_Perkins Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 5,360	I wish they would just come up with something more original really. I find the Ian vs Phil stuff boring. Phil needs a storyline of his own, outside of Ian. Like when he was with Lisa but all his storylines seem to focus on his children or revenge. All very dull.

18-12-2005, 13:48	#23
Pansiks Banned User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: UK Posts: 2,935	Phil is passed his sell by date now, what is he still doing there? I can't believe they're going to kill off Kathy for this predictable nonsense which will soon be forgotten about once they've had their custody battle. I always hoped Kathy would return one day, I'm still hoping this isn't true though.

18-12-2005, 14:02	#24
SULLA Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Black Country Services: Thinks he's an expert Posts: 54,578	I fail to see why there would be a custody battle. Young beetroot, as the natural child of the older Veg, would become a Mitchell

18-12-2005, 14:11	#25
Polly_Perkins Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 5,360	I think its a huge misake, as already said. Why are they in such a rush with all of this, cant they think of something else. Eastenders could go on for years and Gillian ould come back and if not cant long term fans at least be allowed to think shes out there somewhere. Its a real cop out. I really hope they change their mind about this.