EastEnders Two-Hander; Max confronts Stacey

It was a final shot fitting of the episode, the camera travelling away from the darkness of Albert Square into a birds eye view of London as the credits began to roll.

This impressive special effects shot came after an emotionally-charged 30 minutes episode of EastEnders that included only the grief-stricken Max (Jake Wood) and Stacey (Lacey Turner), shouting out everything that the viewer and Max had wanted to know since Stacey revealed herself to be the killer and Bradley plummeted to his death in the live episode last month.

Stacey had been missing for weeks so Max, in the search for answers and revenge, did what he does best - lie, seduce and manipulate. After sleeping with Stacey's unstable mate Becca he then followed her as she visited Stacey. Seizing the opportunity Max burst in and finally confronted pregnant Stacey.

Penned by lead writer Simon Ashdown, the special two-hander episode saw Max force Stacey to explain how and why she killed evil Archie on Christmas Day.

Jake Wood gave one of his finest performances as Max struggled to control his anger and grief when coming face to face with Stacey again and as always Lacey Turner was captivating as Stacey pleaded with Max not to turn her over to the Police; the chemistry and history between the pair always bubbling on the surface during their heated confrontations.

By the end of the episode Max had forcefully taken Stacey back to the Square, ready for her to say her goodbyes before turning herself in. But after a sudden change of heart Max decided to let Stacey off, claiming he was doing it for Bradley as he finally managed to properly grieve for his son.

Whilst the change of heart from Max seemed slightly hasty (yet still believable), the episode was impressive with excellent performances from Jake Wood and Lacey Turner. The emotional two-hander tied up any loose ends in an storyline that has kept viewers hooked for months.

Picture from EastEnders

Eurovision, Your Country Needs You!

A dated show stuck in another decade and the man behind some of the cheesiest pop songs of the 1980s and 90s, it would seem like the perfect match. But instead Pete Waterman and Eurovision, Your Country Needs You! (BBC1, Friday 8.30pm) was painful viewing and highlighted just why the Eurovision Song Contest is so out-of-date.

Tonight's show, which saw 19-year-old Josh Dubovie chosen to represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo transported viewers back to Pete Waterman's finer days with performances of Kylie, Jason Donovan and Steps songs.

There was nothing wrong with these songs back then but now it just makes for cringe-worthy television. The UK's song for this year, 'That Sounds Good To Me', is unsurprisingly of the same mould as it was written by Waterman and Mike Stock and it would fit in perfectly with the predictable pop of decades long gone.

But yes I do admit that the Eurovision is all about cheesy, cringe-worthy songs that equally amuse and amaze (mostly for the wrong reasons) and the UK's entry this year meets these standards. But does this guarantee success this May in Oslo? Unlikely.

Picture from Eurovision.tv

My Top 5 EastEnders Characters of all time

After 25 years on television EastEnders has created some of the most memorable characters on screen, from iconic matriarchs to East End hard men. But which five have stood out for me over EastEnders 25 year history?

1. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)

One half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, Phil Mitchell has got on the wrong side of most of the Square at least once, so much so that he drove ex-partner Lisa Fowler to shot him outside his house in 2001. He is an unlikely ladies man with a fiery temper but he does have a softer family side, making him the ultimate East End character.

Picture from BBC

2. Dot Branning (June Brown)

Gossip and regular confidant for the troubled residents of Walford, stalwart Dot Branning, formerly Cotton is never shy of an opinion or a verse from the Bible. EastEnders would not be the same without her and it helps that the character is played by the finest actress in soapland.

Picture from The Sun

3. Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor)

Whilst the laundrette wouldn't seem right without Dot at the helm, the same could be said for the Queen Victoria pub and its finest landlady Peggy Mitchell. The pint-sized matriarch has been involved in some of EastEnders most famous storylines, from the her emotional battle with breast cancer to her marriage to villainous Archie Mitchell.

Picture from Virgin Media

4. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks)

The ultimate soap bitch, Janine has few redeeming qualities and has been involved in numerous deaths of local residents, from the murderous push she gave Barry down the cliff-top to the unfortunate hit and run of Danielle Jones last year. The perfect soap baddie because Janine would do anything to get what she wants.

Picture from The Sun

5. Den Watts (Leslie Grantham)

Another EastEnders villain but this time the original, Den Watts. Den's passion for the ladies led to a fiery relationship with first wife Angie, an affair and pregnancy with teenager Michelle Fowler and then a fatal marriage to hairdresser Chrissie. After falling into the canal supposedly dead, Den made a shock return in 2003 before being bashed in the head with Pauline Fowler's doggy doorstep only two years later.

Picture from BBC

Ok so it may seem like some of the most iconic characters from EastEnders history are missing. Ian Beale, Sharon Watts, Grant Mitchell...But EastEnders has simply created some of the most loved, loathed and talked-about characters on British television. There was simply too many to choose from!

Stacey is the killer!

An emotional Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) revealed that she had killed Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) in last night's live episode of EastEnders, only moments after husband Bradley (Charlie Clements) fell to his death from the roof on the Queen Vic.

EastEnders first ever live episode, which finally saw the reveal of the who killed Archie after months of speculation went without any major problems and was a fitting conclusion to a storyline that had got the country talking.

An investigation was launched after evil Archie was brutally murdered with the Queen Victoria bust on Christmas day. Archie had made plenty of enemies during his time in Albert Square, the list of suspects including wife Peggy (Babara Windsor), daughter Ronnie (Samantha Womack), fiancee Janine (Charlie Brooks), nephew Phil (Steve McFadden), Bradley and Ian (Adam Woodyatt).

But it was an angry Stacey who dealt the final blow after Archie had raped her months earlier.

The EastEnders cast and crew merged multiple strands of the storyline together well, the case of Archie's killer unraveling on-screen with only a few stuttering camera shots and spluttered lines noticeable.

Bradley and Stacey's storyline was the main component as the newly-weds tried to flee Walford after the Police closed in on Bradley. Bradley's emotional exit had been expected but the dramatic nature of his fall came as a shock and paved the way for Stacey's confession to father-in-law Max (Jake Wood).

Despite being unwell leading up to the live episode Lacey shone on screen, the desperation and devastation of the night's events powerfully portrayed by the brilliant Lacey.

Before finding out who the real killer was the main suspects' stories was explored on-screen, Janine prepared to flee the Square, an angry Phil confronted Ian whilst Roxy (Rita Simons) was convinced that her sister Ronnie was the killer.

Roxy's accusations led to Ronnie's shocking revelation that Archie had raped Ronnie when she was a child. Whilst it was a shock for viewers, the plot twist seemed unnecessary for a character that has already been troubled by the death of two children, abandonment by her mother and the betrayal of her sister and boyfriend's one night stand. Surely Ronnie already had enough motive for murder after years of torment at the hands of Archie?

Last night's episode averaged just under 15 million viewers, peaking at an impressive 16.6 million to see Bradley's death and Stacey's reveal in the last five minutes. The BBC Three show, EastEnders Live: The Aftermath also faired well, drawing 4.3 million in the hour after the live episode. This was BBC Three's best ever ratings and the highest ever for a multichannel programme.

The live episode was a fitting celebration of 25 years for EastEnders, displaying the ingredients that have made the show one of the most popular on British television. Filled with emotion, drama, suspense and shock tonight's episode concluded a storyline crafted with great intrigue and mystery over the last two months.

Picture from The Guardian

Lark Rise to Candleford

If you had turned on your television on Sunday evening to witness high-paced drama and non-stop action then you may have been disappointed to see the country hills of Lark Rise to Candleford roll across the screen. But what the BBC1 show lacks, or you could say rightly avoids in action, it makes up for with heart-warming story lines and engaging characters that superbly set the scene of this 19th century tale.

Both Lark Rise and Candleford, the characters they foster and the story lines they create tie perfectly together as the drama seems to flow effortlessly across the screen. This is not a show of power or shock but one of rural history and enchanting viewing where audiences are believably transported to the historic countryside of Oxfordshire.

The charming residents of hamlet Lark Rise and wealthier neighbouring Candleford have grown onto the screen over the three series, so much so that the viewers feel like we know the characters. Their strengths are developed and weaknesses exposed as families, friends and the community is faced with the problems and dilemmas of the time.

Whilst some may see it as a negative, it is the shows slow pace that makes the programme even more believable, the characters and the lives they lead have been built on screen. Over the last three series we have felt pity for the romantic plight of lonely Dorkus Lane (Julia Sawahla) and laughed at the troubles of comical Thomas Brown (Mark Heap).

In last night's episode journalist Daniel Parish (Ben Alridge) opened the Candleford Chronicle and his first campaign was for local war hero Peg Leg's lack of pension. But after discovering money in his possession Emma Timmins (Claudie Blakley) began to question the old man's story. Laura Timmins (Olivia Hallinan) and Daniel's relationship was also thrown into danger once again after Daniel offered a flustered Laura his Grandmother's broach.

It might not be to everyone's taste but for those looking for a pleasant and engaging tale of everyday life I can not recommend Lark Rise to Candleford (BBC1 8pm) highly enough.

Picture from BBC

EastEnders Update

Alfie to return

Lovable rogue Alfie Moon is going to return to EastEnders later this year. Actor Shane Ritchie is reprising the role after departing the Square in 2005 with Kat (Jessie Wallace). The question will now be whether Alfie's wife Kat will return to Walford with him?

Shooting Drama

Former Policeman Jack Branning's life will be under threat after he is shot in the next few months. The reason why Jack, played by Scott Maslen is shot is still unknown. Could he find himself embroiled in nephew Billie Jackson's problems or will one of Jack's enemies come back for revenge?

Alfie picture from HelloMagazine

Jack picture from The Sun

The Final Season Premiere of Lost

The sixth and final series of Lost started on Sky One on Friday night and as expected the two hour premiere provided more questions than answers.

The series opener began with a look at what would have happened if the Oceanic Flight 815 had never crashed, adding another dimension and direction on a show that has already jumped backwards and forwards more times than I can count.

The passage saw much-loved characters briefly interacting, including Jack and Locke bonding over lost cargo and the fan-pleasing return of some old faces, including Boone, Charlie and Claire.

The emotional pull from the drama-filled 120 minute premiere came in the passing of Juliet. Sawyer's love interest managed to survive the explosion at the end of series five which transported the group back to the present day but soon after being rescued she passed away in Sawyer's arms. The scene may have been overly cheesy and predictable but in a series where death on-screen rarely means a final appearance, it is likely we will see her again.

Juliet's passing also meant for the return of the Sawyer and Jack feud, a storyline that has been bubbling under and often exploding on screen during the first five series.

One of the advantages for the creators of Lost is that their show allows for the endless creation of new locations and plots that make little sense to anyone but somehow to brilliantly fit into the plot of the show. On Friday we got the first glimpse of The Temple and the first look at another set of 'others', fans of all five series will have also noticed that these others included the original flight attendant from Flight 815.

It was at The Temple where Sayid, who was shot during the last series made his reappearance. After being shot Sayid was close to death but he was miraculously brought back to live in the water by the mysterious others, only for them to then drown him seconds later. But in Lost that would never be the end and the premiere ended with Sayid coming back to life once more. Still following? This could only happen in Lost!

The biggest enigma on the show and during the premiere was John Locke. The man who seems strangely at home on the island was last seen confronting Jacob before manipulating Ben to kill him. But at the same time Locke's body was in a box on the beach! If his storyline couldn't get anymore confusing in a shocking twist Locke turned out to be the menacing black smoke monster that had been terrorising the island for the first five series. Brilliant performances from Terry O'Quinn and mind-boggling twists have pushed John Locke to the forefront of the mystery surrounding the island.

The series may not be addictive as it once was, mainly due to how confusing the plot has become but the desire for answers will keep fans and viewers hooked throughout the final series.

Picture from TVFanatic.com