Too often soaps go for the over the top reaction to dramatic deaths. Wailing in hysterics is all well and good in certain situations but tonight EastEnders triumphed with an understated and emotional reaction to the sudden, alcohol-related death of Billie Jackson (Devon Anderson).
After celebrating his 22nd birthday in Friday's episode, Billie downed a huge amount of booze and collapsed on the sofa. Half-sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer) went to wake him but instead found him dead in the lounge.
The performances from everyone involved were brilliant, even cousin Lauren's (Jacqueline Jossa) nervous laugh seemed realistic. Carol's (Lindsey Coulson) reaction to her son's death was heartbreaking. There was no outbursts of tears just a blank look of shock and sudden emptiness. Little dialogue was needed as the family's reaction to Billie's death drove the episode forward.
Since his return to Walford earlier this year, the character of Billie has failed to make a huge impact in Walford. So his sudden and emotional demise will probably be remembered longer than anything the character did on screen.
The episode was depressing, even for EastEnders but the BBC show deserves praise for tonight's showing; highlighting the risks of binge drinking in such a sad and shocking way.
Picture from whatsontv.co.uk
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