Mick is every man who has blind-sided their wives with life-changing news at the wrong time
We are two days into the EastEnders three-hander with the Carters. Tuesday’s episode (08.08.17) was emotionally draining and one of the best I’ve seen with any member of the Carter family. This episode hit me in so many ways.
First, Full Disclosure, Part 1: I’ve been divorced twice. Any and every part of that conversation between Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) I’ve experienced personally. So, my thoughts are coming from a familiar place. Mick is every man who has blind-sided their wives with life-changing news at the wrong time.
And he poured her a glass of wine!
Once Mick started the conversation with the “I’m in love with someone else” reveal, every reaction that came from Linda was based on those words. (And after he poured her a glass of wine!) If he had just started with “Babe, I kissed another woman,” and left it at that, it would’ve been a shorter argument by 15 minutes.
Mick: Just a Kiss
Even worse was him saying, ‘It’s just a jacket.’
Once Mick said he might be in love and admitted it was Whitney Dean (Shona McCarty), it was not just a kiss. It was feelings that had been around for awhile. Mick, like most men in this position, forget that words matter to women.
Not only do we focus on words, we are also aware of symbolism. That’s why Mick letting Whitney borrow Linda’s jacket was a huge mistake. Even worse was him saying, “It’s just a jacket.” (I’m amazed Linda didn’t throw her heels at him.)
Mick and Linda have been together 26 years, yet Mick doesn’t really know his wife. He thought Linda would drink her wine, not ask questions, and go to bed with him as usual.
Some men don’t care because they’ve planned to leave months prior. They just wait until the right moment (for them) to drop their news. Mick really didn’t think about what would happen after he was honest with Linda. So, every time he tried to change his words (“I’m not sure how I feel.”), all that remained was his declaration of love. In fact, it hung like a neon sign in every room.
Mick: Linda and Whitney
The reality is that Whitney awakened emotions in Mick. When he was around Whitney, he could show his vulnerable side.
Mick and Linda have been together 26 years, yet Mick doesn’t really know his wife. He thought Linda would drink her wine, not ask questions, and go to bed with him as usual. I think once he saw Linda’s anger, that’s when Mick became scared.
That’s when he realized what he could lose: the comfort and security of his family. Anyone whose been married or in a long-term relationship understands you’re fighting against “the grass is greener” metaphor.
The reality is that Whitney awakened emotions in Mick. When he was around Whitney, he could show his vulnerable side. He didn’t have to be the man who fixes everything.
In a perfect world there would be a balance. However, men showing emotion is viewed as weak. (Many fans have complained on social media that Mick has gone soft.) Now he has to deal with those emotions while Linda deals with his betrayal.
An emotional affair can be just as devastating as a physical affair.
Marriage isn’t a fairytale. It’s the good, the bad, he ugly, and the boring. Linda and Mick have lasted longer than most Soap couples. That’s because most of their relationship occurred off-screen as a back story.
That’s why I appreciate EastEnders showing a realistic view of the Carter’s relationship. An emotional affair can be just as devastating as a physical affair. That’s what the Carters are facing. I’m looking forward to seeing their storyline over the next few months.
Full Disclosure, Part 2: I know there’s a lot of years between Linda and Mick. However, I really do like the chemistry between Mick and Whitney. ??♀️#TeamMickandWhitney
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