Disturbing soaps

[loulou]

The Sun reports that Coronation Street's Becky Grainger is to be plagued by a paedophile policeman seeking revenge. Detective Constable Hooch tried to seduce Becky - played by Katherine Kelly - when she was 15.

Is this just copying the paedo storyline in Eastenders?

[bounty hunter]

Probably.  Why do the soaps have to pursue these distasteful story lines?  The wife-beating in Emmerdale is also unwatchable.

[smurfboy]

Probably.  Why do the soaps have to pursue these distasteful story lines?

Because soaps are supposed to reflect real life. I'm surprised that you, as someone who is so concerned about paedophilia, is against something that will raise awareness of the dangers.

[smurfboy]

Is this just copying the paedo storyline in Eastenders?

I don't think so - these storylines are planned months in advance, and it's not as if it's that similar just because they both involve the topic of paedophilia. On that basis you could say Eastenders are copying Corrie because they did a paedophilia storyline in 2001, or Brookside in 1993.

[bounty hunter]

Firstly I'm not overly concerned with paedophilia, I just think those that abuse children should be punished more severly.  I would also say that the storyline in Eastenders is not about paedophilia but about an inappropriate relationship involving an under age girl.  Sorry to sound pedantic but I think these are important points. 

[smurfboy]

I didn't mean to be rude - I just know paedophilia is something you feel very strongly about, so I was surprised at your response to the storylines. And as Tony and Whitney's relationship in EastEnders began when she was 12, I would call that paedophilia.

[bounty hunter]

You wasn't being rude, no offence taken.  I wasn't aware of the original storyline.  Yes, sexual contact with a 12 year old is rape and certainly what most people would consider paedophillia.  As for my objection to the story lines, surely what we need are serious documentaries discussing the issue, not sensationalisation in Soaps, which will just further misinform an already paranoid public. 

[smurfboy]

I agree serious documentaries are useful, but a 12 year-old girl in a similar situation who wouldn't even consider watching such a documentary is perhaps more likely to watch something like EastEnders (and therefore more likely to view the information on the website or ring a helpline).

[bounty hunter]

Yes, that's a good point

[bounty hunter]

I've stopped watching it but I gather the creepy bastard in Eastenders has changed MO from being a groomer to predator.  An unlikely scenario. 

[loulou]

Apparently he only likes girls under 16 so is moving in on his next victim...the young Branning girl.

[bounty hunter]

Lauren (Madeline) is only 14 but looks 12 - a particularly disturbing plot twist.  I take on board exactly what Smurboy said but to have this on a Soap at prime time is soooo horrible.

Now Suzy Branning played by Maggie O'Neil - Woooooohooooooooooooooooooooooo!  What a bird!  Bounty wants.

[loulou]

Maggie is almost as funny in Eastenders as she was in Shameless.

[smurfboy]

Now Suzy Branning played by Maggie O'Neil - Woooooohooooooooooooooooooooooo!  What a bird!  Bounty wants.

It's those big lips, isn't it

[bounty hunter]

From what I can tell, yes those too!