May 13th, 2015- An Apology

If there's any indication that the storyline between Alicia and Lachlan is over, tonight's brilliantly played closure definitely sealed it. I personally don't understand the displeasure some folks have with this story. It's intriguing, different, dramatic and sometime downright ugly (in the best way possible)- all the elements of a great soap plot. It also helps tremendously the actors involved are brilliant in it. Natalie Anderson, Thomas Atkinson and Louise Marwood have been great with the material and it only gets me excited to see what other things are planned for Alicia and Lachlan since we're kinda getting to a head with Chrissy and Robert.

Which leads me to Chrissy playing coy. Aaron, a better person for not exposing Robert's affair, attempts to get Chrissy to reconcile with Robert. It almost worked too, if it wasn't for the latest round of Robert whiplash. I preferred him drunk only because we hear the truth when he's drunk. So what will Chrissy's plan of action be? She's obviously playing along to plot something and seeing what she was capable of with Mafia Don, I'm not sure Robert will be a match.

Emma, Emma, Emma. You crazy lady. I don't have much to add for her since she hasn't done much since adding blackmailing her son yesterday. She just reverted back to being a bitch for no reason- at least I get to see more stoned acting from Charley Webb. As close as Finn is to exposing her, the tangled web is now within her own family, maybe once Pete finds out and James return, the family will take care of it themselves- which will probably have the most effect on Emma. 

And what's this? Dan can afford to go to college this very moment? Interesting. Thought turning a Spencer from blue collar to white collar can be something to jolt that family from being uninteresting.

May 12th, 2015- An Unlikely Friendship

I'll go down and say it. This was one of the best non-stunt episodes on this show for a very long time. Everything seem to be colliding at the right pace besides (ironically) Laurel's storyline- which has been gangbusters. Let's get to it.

The most intriguing scene to me was the one between Belle and Lachlan. This scene makes sense and I've been waiting for it for so long. For as much connection these two teenagers had since Lachlan's arrival, a conversation where someone who tells Lachlan the truth on his level is what has been missing in this storyline if the show's intention is to draw more human complexity to it. That's what has been missing on Lachlan's end. Yes, he's the offender who did a terrible thing and the show could've gone a much easy route and make him a simple villain like Emma, but by injecting someone who can tell him the truth and bring some humanity to him, you have an actual character. It doesn't hurt that Eden Taylor-Draper and Thomas Atkinson are superb actors. Getting Alicia to be trapped with him in a car? Even more brilliant. Will the next conversation between these two end up better than the last one after the court hearing? I hope so.

Ashley becomes to the latest person to attempt to help Laurel. He's getting the right idea since I hear a way to a lady's heart is food. But Laurel is having none of it since she's content with her screwdriver. That skepticism you can see in Harriet's eyes when Ashley tell her he's cooking Laurel's favorite dish? Priceless.

Frustrated by being cornered by everyone and how nothing is going right, we were introduced to drunk Robert. It's rare sight. Even in his lies and deceits, Robert has always been very well put together and organized. Get him a bit to drink and you get someone who's vulnerable and speaks the truth about his fears- of being alone. Interesting angle. I must confess, I was little drawn to this charming psychopath in this vulnerable state.. and judging by the few seconds he didn't push Robert away when he kissed him, so was Aaron. I've been back and forth on this Robron radar since it's conception. Judging from today, it pushed me to a 6 (out of 10). I have a soft spot for vulnerable charming men.

Now we know there's no line Emma won't cross. The one person who drove her away from her family, the one person who she was guilt ridden over for decades is the same person who's bribing to keep her secrets to get what she wants. It just so happens to be her son. And her son just so happens to be Ross. This is testy waters for that character and the audience. Will she throw her family under the bus? It appears so. 

Great episode overall. I hope the tide is turning for the summer.

May 11th, 2015- So Full Of Yourself

Laurel is entering cat lady territory. It makes sense that she doesn't want Doug's help at the moment. She's too frustrated by the situation to get help. I hope she doesn't keep being this way because it's no fun. Either advance her actions or get her into more trouble. I have faith in the writing and acting because this has been top notch so far from both ends.

Leave it to Robert to apologize by insulting the other person. Classic narcissist. Who would go up to his estranged wife and tell her he's sorry but she should take him back because he's still awesome? WHO? Robert Sugden. That's who. Chrissy, who continues to call Robert out exactly as he is, response perfectly but giving him the option of being divorced now or later in front his family. Between that and Aaron rejecting his latest advance, it's not a good day for the blond psychopath. Did you see the face on Andy's face when Chrissy came into the bar and deliver the news? Genius.

Just as I thought a Chas/James reunion was inevitable, the show manages to surprise me and get Chas to say no to James' idea of a 2-week getaway to reconcile. Their breakup scene summarized their relationship- blah. Even the breakup was bland. I hope Chas sticks to her guns because this relationship was never good for the show. It always felt like the two were put together because they were single and around the same age.

All this of course makes Emma happy. She gets James to not reunite with Chas (for the moment) in hope she can swoop in and rekindle something from decades ago. Her new threat though is none other the person who brought her into Emmerdale- her son, Finn. This should play out interesting. She's never been tested by her opposition because she couldn't care less who they were. But now, it's her son. Her son who's actually pretty smart when it comes to anything besides his love life.

I got a question as to why the audience (I'm assuming most) is more taken with Robert than Emma since they have a very similar mindset and storyline. It's a rather good question. I had to think twice. I  think it's because of two reasons. One, there are more at stakes. Robert's lies and deceits involve more characters and the consequences of murder outweighs stealing a passport any day of the week. Second, we care more about who's involved in Robert's storyline than in Emma's. Robert is fighting for Aaron (a fan favorite) and Chrissy (a slow burning fan favorite) while Emma is gunning for James. Dull as bread James. Of course we care more.

Finally, Alicia's gungho at warning whoever Lachlan's next victim is. Going to Lisa to confirm Lachlan is not seeing Belle is smart and as much as Belle know what Lachlan doing is wrong, you can sense she sympathizes with him- which obviously displeased Lisa because nowadays a carton of spoiled milk seem to give that woman a heart attack. It's a very interesting angle to play at between Belle and Lachlan. Both bad crimes, one was an accident and both come from very supportive families even if their way of showing and protecting them cannot be more different. It's potential like these that gives me great hope about the next generation of Emmerdale residents. The younger crowd got game.

May 8, 2015- Mommy's Kissing Another Bloke

On tonight's episode of 'What Will Drunk Laurel Do Next?', we see our heroine kidnap 2 children and lock themselves in her house. New day, new adventure. So Marlon has officially given up on Laurel, Rhona, Paddy and Ashley can't get through to her either. It's left to her father to pick up the pieces. He has to succeed, right? Unless we're in for something else traumatic with Doug. I hope not, that would indeed be a tragedy.

Two weeks with James in France. While it doesn't appeal to me in the slightest bit (the man is as dull as expired, sugar free bread), Chas seems to be okay with it. It's odd because it took a nudge from Moira and a slight vendetta towards Emma to convince her to go. It's not like she actually wants to go. This sets off Emma to steal Chas's passport (not sure in the UK, but in the US that's a federal crime) and we all got to take a peek at Chas' birthday. She's HOW OLD!?! 37? That's it? You've got to be kidding me.

Tracy continues to be one note to even made Bernice seem like a victim. So now she went from no job to two jobs and free lodging? Maybe I'm wrong about her. She's pretty smart. I could learn a thing or two from this one before continue to judge.

Finally, Alicia poses as someone's bride for Leyla's brochure pictures. I'm glad David was there... and a little disappointed we didn't see at least a slight comedic David when Alicia went in for the kiss. Should we bring up Lachlan? They're really not going to let these characters move on from this storyline and I am glad. Lachlan is obviously lying about having a girlfriend, but let's see what lengths Alicia will go to to warn this fake person about Lachlan.

Did we really go a week without Chrissy? I miss her.

May 7, 2015- The Second Coming Of Jesus (AKA John The Baptist)

So much to cover on the double episode, some good, some bad, some downright jaw dropping and some embarrassing (that's you Emma). Let's get to it.

Just when you think the worst is over for Laurel, Cain manages to intervene and push her even further. I'm glad Moira began to defend Laurel, but like most people who try to defend themselves to Cain, they fail- because Cain thinks he's right, he's right. Just in this instance, his action pushed a fragile Laurel further over the edge, who decides to skip down drinking drunk. The result? A dead dog. Not any dead dog, Marlon's dead dog.

The entirely of their marriage has been burdened by sadness and this is just the latest. Will Marlon tell Cain to butt out even further? Will Moira try to stop Cain from making a fool out of himself? I hope it's a yes for both. This marriage has even going against it without someone like Cain interfering.

In her latest episode of psychotic behavior, Emma pretends to be beaten up by city folks just to separate whatever is rekindling between James and Chas. This woman is nuts. Finn might as well go to Portugal to get away from that hot mess. And seriously, 3 parents wanting to bring their respective gay sons to the one gay bar in the area? Brilliant and understanding. From the way Finn and Aaron were behaving, you'd never know they were wanting to chat up guys in the bar. Then again, you'd almost forget those two actually slept together once. As boring as it sounds, a Chas/James reunion seems inevitable.

Kerry's plan to help Amelia cope is to give her Jesus. The running joke was actually hilarious. I just kept waiting for the next punchline since it was working so well. As for the story itself, it's nice to see Amelia warm up to Kerry so well. I hope with Ali out of the picture, it doesn't mean that Dan will take up Ali's over protective, irrational traits towards his daughter (and Kerry).

A very nice cameo by Nicola tonight to again emasculate Jimmy once more. Bernice obviously set it in motion thinking Tracy stole things from her, but kicking Tracy out of the house hopefully ends this storyline. Though by the looks of things, Bernice's feeling remorse since it was her evil child that stole all those things and might contemplate her actions. Let's not revisit it, okay?

Finally, the Portugal option came in play not only for Finn, but for David and Alicia as well. It went away just as fast, as they can't find help covering their shop while they'll potentially go away. Short little arc, but I do wonder if Portugal does eventually send someone away from Emmerdale.

May 6th, 2015- The Devil Over Marlon's Shoulder

This "advice" from Cain to Marlon is not making me like him any better. Is serious in thinking Laurel can't be rescued and that there's no trace of good left in her because of her drinking? What a moron. Like a demon who's monologuing in someone's head, Cain manages to convince Marlon ending the marriage is the correct move. Marlon is a much better man Cain ever will be, so I hope he doesn't follow through with it. Sigh. It's all pretty ridiculous.

Another ridiculous thing that happened tonight? That tackle Jimmy gave to Tracy and Bernice. I won't even go into it because it's not worth anymore discussing until someone new actually happens besides Tracy smugging or Bernice whining.

Amelia runs away for the second time in that many days. Dan manages to convince Ali to let her stay with him and Kerry until Sean gets better. Thank goodness. I would hate to lose a character like Dan to Kerry, even though there's not much for them to do at the moment. But at least they're potential. That bit where Kerry sang Mariah Carey's "We belong together..."... classic Kerry.

How Brenda manages to forgive so easily is beyond me. Is she that gullible? Or is she just that nice? Probably the latter. I'm certain this won't be the end of Carly's torment since the show can't seem to manage to give her anything to do, but I'm ready to take a break for it. The story, not the show... well, maybe the show.

May 5th, 2015- On To Liverpool

After a game of hide and seek with Amelia, Ali and Ruby are off to Liverpool in the quickest pack and go I've ever witness. Since I just moved and it took weeks to pack, I'm envious of their move. Did they hire somebody? I could've used that contact. So the main question in this is if Dan is going to follow as he promised Amelia? Or will he hold his ground in Emmerdale with Kerry? I'm hoping the latter because I like Dan and Kerry's relationship, but am truly not mad if he decides to go. That clan has played out their potential as is. It only makes sense for me if Sean does indeed recover and returns. He has the making of a classic good guy this village so desperately needs.

As long as they play this Bernice/Jimmy/Tracy version of 'Three's Company' for idiot laughs, the more I don't care about them- which is ashamed because all three characters used to involved in dramatic arcs until 6 months ago. Now, they're all just jokers.

So what's the deal with Laurel? Her alcoholism is taking a more manipulative turn. It makes sense since it's the next gradual step in the story of recovery. But you can pretty much kiss this "marriage" between Marlon and her goodbye, not that it was much of a marriage to begin with. He spent have the time mourning over an ex-lover and she spent the other half drinking herself to vomit. Hiding wine in her boots will surely result in someone finding it. Let's just hope it's Doug and not April.

What's the female equivalent of a manchild? Whatever it's called, Carly is that. This story has not progressed at all since her arrival. It's been months. Are we seriously going to periodically check in on Carly behaving badly towards Brenda for the rest of the year? It's all so vile and childish, even for the little known about Carly.

May 4th, 2015- The Retro Copper Deer

Well, there you go. A punch to the face. The dilemma in it all is that the punch resulted from equal blame from both Laurel and Marlon. Yes, he grilled her with some hard truths and she obviously got them into the mess to begin with- so the punch was just another turning point in their marriage. Is Laurel really seeking help this time around? Or is it just another pleasing lie to tell somebody to get off her back? Either way, Charlotte Bellamy continues to knock it out of the park- especially when her scene partners have been hamming it up. And seriously... Cain? Giving marriage advice to Marlon? Oh please. How very Dingle of him.

Carly's back in this week's edition of repairing her relationship with Bob. She's still one note and definitely hasn't shown hints of it changing. Let's just move on and let her do something else and see if that character's even capable of servicing the show. That painting, though? I actually liked it. Does that make me a hipster? Probably.

This Belle gets a job thing is playing out so tedious. I cringe just watching Lisa nowadays. I get that her character has been with the show for a very long time, but when was the last time the show actually used her? It's interesting to read comments from viewers about getting rid of this and that characters when the ones on the show aren't being used as is.

So are lesbians out of here? Is Dan going to go with? I don't care. Just don't take Kerry.

May 1st, 2015- The World's Worst Hangover

Disclaimer: Someone asked me if I read spoilers for the show, so I want to clear it up. I try to avoid them. It works 90% of the time so I usually do not know what's happening next or cast changes.

Today, we see how Laurel's drinking problem has affected everyone around her. From Bernice to Bob, Rhona to Doug, we're beginning to see how everyone is affected by it- most of all, Marlon. After being reminded by Doug that Laurel is his wife and he needs to treat her so, Marlon finally draws a line- one more slip up and he's giving up. It's fair considering he's finally learn about the time April had a sip of Laurel's mimosa and had to go to the ER.

In a quicky, Belle finds out that Lisa has been paying her off books for her work at Sharma & Sharma. I'm so glad Priya didn't spill the beans and let the family deal with it. She's smart. Don't let Dingles handle their mess themselves. It's nice to see Belle asking about Sean.

So are Ali and Ruby on their way out of Emmerdale? Is Ali serious in telling Dan he has to move too? Ali has always been a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She simply does not handle any kind of stress well and given this is her son that's in jeopardy, her thinking thermometer is almost non-existent. Dragging your ex-husband into moving after asking his girlfriend for money is almost insane and shameful. Someone should tell her... perhaps her wife?

A potential exit for Ali, Ruby and Dan makes a lot of sense and this show needs a massive exodus of players since it has a tendency to only use new characters for a few months before back burning them. I just hope Kerry doesn't go since she's my spirit animal.

Other end of the week quick notes:
- I almost expected Darren, or worse- Emma, to show up and be Laurel's nurse. Can you imagine integrating Emma into this mess?
- A whole week without Carly and I didn't miss her one bit.
- Vanessa and Kirin hiding the pregnancy from Rakesh. Good luck.

April 30th, 2015- The Fat Sister and The Curmudgeon

Has Ali always been this irrational in her thinking? Not that she's been one of my favorites or anything, but she's a rather irritating person. Nothing is ever her fault. God bless Ruby for putting up with that for so long. For as little I care about this storyline, I hope they don't kill Sean offscreen. That'd be a shame. He's a pretty valuable character in the teen canvas that's already connected to the rest of the characters in Emmerdale. A young adult vet would be refreshing for this show.

So Vanessa finally told Kirin and his reaction is so convenient for the father to not be his. I don't like where this is going just because it's so cliche. Imagine that... the not cliche thing in soaps is when the father is NOT the other guy. Ha. Adam is growing Dingle characteristics when he's blaming Vanessa for telling Rhona about the one night stand when he did the exact same thing with Aaron. I do like how Aaron doesn't seem concerned about the actual affair considering what he's been upto. I hope Victoria dumps him when she finds out about the liaison.

I do not know why I'm rooting for Tracy to have character development. I'm actually ashamed to admit it. She's a rather useless character who never contributed much to the landscape but here I am, wishing the show would give her actual character growth. Perhaps it's due to the amount the time I had to watch her being so one-note (again, other then the brief time with Andy). Having her in the same household as Jimmy and Bernice will continue to test her chemistry with different cast members on the show. Perhaps it's show runner Kate Oates' way of shopping her around? Who knows. There was a brief moment of humanity in her scene with Val and Eric when she finally decided to go. Let's see where that takes her.

Where Tracy's hiring took Laurel was a very dark place. It was violent, it was disgusting and it was tragic. A relapse. Bringing the kids to find Laurel took the icing on the cake. This was worse than anything she's done prior to her trip away and it appears that Marlon might not have enough strength to see it through. Charlotte Bellamy has been knocking her drunk scenes out of the park and I have no doubt she'll be able to elevated this arc than being a typical alcoholism storyline.