Tag: British Soaps

Toxic Fandom, Part 2: Ballum (EastEnders)

My point is the overall EastEnders fandom is respectful and open to discussion about characters and storylines. Unfortunately, the Ballum fandom accuses EE fans of homophobia if they do not agree with their view of Ben and Callum’s relationship.

T.Lanette

I’ve talked about toxic fans before with EastEnders. However, now that Ballum (Ben & Callum) are having actual real relationship issues, the Ballum fandom dragons are out for blood. That means long term EE fans (before Callum and knowing Ben from the beginning) are being harassed. I was accused of being homophobic against gay males because I had the nerve to hold a character, Ben Mitchell, accountable for his actions even though he was dealing with a mental health crisis. 😳 Just to be clear, this random told me to STFU because they didn’t like what I said and called me homophobic.

Continue reading Toxic Fandom, Part 2: Ballum (EastEnders)

Are Toxic Fans Ruining EastEnders?

…there is a difference between sharing an opinion and purposely going after an EP because of something you don’t like on the show. That’s when it becomes a personal attack.

T.Lanette

Here we are again saying goodbye to an EastEnders (EE) Executive Producer (EP) and saying hello to a new EP with a new vision for the show. This time our EP, Jon Sen, stayed for three years. He came after John Yorke (2017-2018, 2nd tenure) and Sean O’Connor (2016-2017). During Sen’s tenure, EE has had high points and low points, but overall the show has improved. (Check out Duncan Lindsay’s article.) What hasn’t changed is how some fans respond to the show and the EPs.

EE fans have always been vocal on social media. Fans have an opinion about the storylines, characters, actors, and even the executive producers. Everyone has a right to share their opinions. In fact, I’m sure these opinions have helped to guide the show in some way. However, there is a difference between sharing an opinion and purposely going after an EP because of something you don’t like on the show. That’s when it becomes a personal attack.

Continue reading Are Toxic Fans Ruining EastEnders?

Not Much to Do with Ballum (EastEnders)

The show has made an extra effort to keep the fandom happy and content. So… Has the fandom and the show placed Ballum into a storyline corner? Is there anything left to do with Ballum?

It’s been almost six months since Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Halfway (Callum) Highway (Tony Clay) had their non-social distanced wedding. They’ve been living the marital dream while sleeping on an air mattress at Stuart and Rainie’s (Ricky Champ and Tanya Franks) flat. EastEnders did their best to make sure the Ballum Fandom got the dream wedding and romantic ending they were hoping for— starting with the over-the-top cute proposal and ending with the kiss after the “I Do’s”. The show has made an extra effort to keep the fandom happy and contented. So… Has the fandom and the show placed Ballum into a storyline corner? Is there anything left to do with Ballum?

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What is Aaron Monroe Hiding? (EastEnders)

A phone with a text that will erase after 5 seconds… Leaving quickly after calls from a person named Gemma… Washing blood off his hands as he tells his dad he’s found the perfect woman…

T.Lanette

It’s only been four EastEnders episodes, but I’m determined to find out what Aaron Monroe (Charlie Wernham) is hiding. He arrived in Albert Square in a flashy suit. The next minute, he was waving cash around and drinking champagne at the Queen Vic. His dad, Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), mentioned that Aaron worked in finance and had a fancy London flat. Dana said something about his job being at a lower level. But is that really the case? Aaron told Tiffany Butcher-Baker (Maisie Smith) he works in “Logistics”. 😳 So what details, people, and information is Aaron in charge of handling? (See Merriam-Webster definition for logistics.)

Continue reading What is Aaron Monroe Hiding? (EastEnders)