Tonight's episode of EastEnders was one of the best episodes in a long while. EastEnders is known for being 'depressing' and usually it struggles with the balance of drama and humour, but tonight we seen the serious (the scenes between Phil and Rainie) and more of the light hearted scenes that brought about a giggle or two (Kim's audition at the nail bar and Tiffany with Janine).
First of all, Steve McFadden (Phil) and Tanya Franks (Rainie) were the stars of tonight's episode. Their acting was nothing short of outstanding and they could really teach the rest of the cast a thing or two. Steve McFadden plays the 'drunk' very well and I was left feeling quite disturbed of his portrayal as a man drunk and high on drugs. I was left scared for Rainie as she mocked at Phil's predicament!
The woman I feel sorry for though is Shirley... time and again, she plays 'mother hen' for both Heather and Phil. Shirley has done a lot for both of them, but she hardly gets anything back in return. She offered Phil a stable family unit, by supporting both him and his kids and what does she get in return?! Phil has never fully appreciated Shirley and I think it's about time she left him to it and got on with her own life, maybe showing him in the process what he's missing! Heather does seem to appreciate Shirley more, but she needs to learn to stand on her own two feet as well! She really annoyed me tonight. She can't expect Shirley to put her life on hold, to help her out all the time. Friends are meant to be there for each other, but everyone has their own lives to lead! I think Heather needs to start realising that...
Conversely, Kim was on top form in this episode. I think she's brilliant! I love her confidence and her humour and I'm glad that she seems to be a regular cast member in the Square now. Roxy seemed to like how confident she was, so maybe a good friendship could blossom between those two especially if they start working together.
Carol and Bianca's jibes towards one another was equally entertaining, but I do think it's silly that Carol suspects Bianca of doing the dirty on Ricky. I get the feeling that the writers don't know what to do with Bianca and Ricky now that they're happily married and settled with kids. Nobody is allowed to be happy in soapland for too long, so they go down the typical route of 'possible cheating'.
It was nice to see Ryan and Janine return to Walford. Janine's mind games towards Stacey are starting to get a bit tiresome now though and if that was the lesbian kiss that we were promised between the both of them, then what a let down to all straight males out there! The best scenes involving Janine tonight were with Pat, Peggy and Tiffany in the Vic. There's a whole lotta history between her, Pat and Peggy so a scene between all three of them was a masterstroke! I'd love to see a three hander episode involving them one day! I loved the mention of Barry from Peggy - some excellent references to the past there and Janine never fails in holding up that facade that her and Barry were actually "in love"! The classic bit of dialogue has to be between Janine and Tiffany though. Janine "What have I told you about lying?", Tiffany "That sometimes it's only necessary".
A rather brilliant episode in my book.
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