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2018 Season - UK Episode Discussion


Dan F

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Posted

Did anybody else notice that John and Marilyn had a red bill on the fridge in today’s episode?

they don’t strike me as the kind to let their bills go red!! Haha

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Posted

It felt like such an odd time on Thursday to have dropped the Colby/Ebony/Robbo saga - with the exception of a few Willow/Dean angsty interludes - for a few days of wedding (and Huntivia). But on the other hand it was also nice to have some lighter-hearted stuff, starting with the buck's and hen's.

I think Coco's party would be the kind of affair I'd plump for if I ever had a hen night, although admittedly not much fun for Ziggy to have only her mum, sister and Olivia there. I was thinking it would've been nice to bring in a sassy friend from The City for a guest spot who could have livened things up. But instead it was left to the buck's to provide all the dynamism, largely via 'interrogation' scenes that wouldn't have felt out of place fifteen years ago, but seemed a bit hackneyed here and now. (Full disclosure: this would not be the kind of affair I'd plump for if I ever had a buck's night.) Ziggy's last-minute doubts about the wedding felt extremely short-lived, and just an excuse for Thursday's cliffhanger - and her decision to go ahead felt like the right one in the moment. But who knows, perhaps it'll come back to haunt her down the line.

H&A usually does a good wedding, and the ceremony scenes themselves were great. Good to see Raffy looking a bit happier - I was worried they'd forget altogether that she was Brody's sister and leave her out. We had an unnecessary excuse for Ryder not being in it, as he isn't close to either Brody or Ziggy - but nothing as to why Raffy isn't annoyed at Coco too. That she hasn't found out that Coco knew about Ty being gay seems like a fair assumption at this stage; hard to say whether it will remain that way forever, or whether the writers are holding it back as an excuse for some fireworks further down the line. My guess is we won't revisit it, or else you'd have expected some kind of scene of Raffy telling Coco what had happened with Ty, and Coco looking awkward but not spilling.

Sad that Maggie couldn't make it through the day without another hospital trip, but at least she got to be there for the ceremony as planned. The Astoni scenes continue to be very strong; and much as I think it ultimately has to be Maggie's choice whether she continues with treatment, I equally find it difficult to condemn Coco for telling her in no uncertain terms why she should. I know it's different in some respects, but it calls to mind how people who kill themselves often do so because they're just too consumed by mental (rather than Maggie's primarily physical) pain to keep going, but how it doesn't stop people decrying the act as selfish. I don't think it's right to call someone in such a state to be contemplating that cliff-edge selfish, personally; but equally, if someone can be convinced to keep living (or trying to live) for the sake of their family and friends then it also gives them a chance at future happiness/wellness themselves, even if that chance is slim. All things said, it's a complicated situation and I don't really blame anyone for their reactions to it. I can't say I blame Coco for calling Ziggy either; I'm pretty sure she'd want to know, honeymoon or not.

Gosh, will Olivia and Hunter ever call it quits and stay that way? "The last time I was that drunk, I bought you an engagement ring." Not sure in what universe that would qualify as a pick-up line, but it certainly worked on Olivia. Not buying for a second that this latest romp represented some kind of 'closure', as the chat on the beach was attempting to convince us. It's never been that before, so I don't see why this time would be any different.

Bit of an odd continuation of Ty and Raffy's stories, minus Ty and Raffy. I feel Marilyn and John should be less worried about getting everyone back under one roof, and more about supporting Ty at home and Raffy if she wants it from afar. But aside from that, they are clearly trying to do their best for Ty. The internet can often cause as many problems as it solves in this regard if you follow its advice too rigidly, but equally there's no harm in them looking and learning - and hopefully it can help them tailor their approach to Ty's specific circumstances. And by that I mean that he's not only come out as gay, but also seems to have some quite deep-seated internalised problems with that fact.

Posted

That must have been a hell of a shock for Coco to find out not only that Maggie had stopped her treatment but the three of them had withheld it from her, so she wouldn't get upset - so what do you think she is now!!!!!  Yes she's coming across as bratty and making it seem it's all about her, but how would you as a 16 year old girl feel if it was your mum (or dad)?  It's tough on all the family to watch Maggie suffer all the side affects of chemo, but it is her who is/has been going through it and as she said to Tori, on top form again as a doctor, she did everything she was supposed to, followed all the rules and it still keeps coming back to attack her.  They have to sit down as a family, now Coco knows, and discuss it rationally and calmly.  They have all the medical facts and how it affects Maggie physically but it's the emotional effects it's having on all of them.  Ben & Ziggy are old enough to accept Maggie's decision, but Coco, not making excuses for her, is a teenager.  Just as well Ziggy and Brody didn't go too far seeing as they accidentally dropped the fuse  (was it?) to the engine overboard, so Ben doesn't have to go too far to bring her back. That was pretty childish behaviour on Zigg's part just because she didn't want to go exploring the island, actually Brody's idea of making love under a waterfall sounded pretty good.:wub::blush:

Ziggy knew what she was doing marrying Brody, she knows he's an addict and he always will be, doesn't matter when he marries. They would have eventually married, it was just Maggie's condition that made her realise life is too short and to grab happiness while you can.  Not as if she forced him down the aisle  - or in their case - footpath.

Ryder could have gone as a friend of Coco and you're right atrus  Raffy doesn't know Coco knows about Ty, don't think even Ty knows she knows. She isn't good at lying or keeping back secrets though she didn't let anything slip when Ty went missing and no-one could work out why. Marilyn & John are stuck between a rock and a hard place as regards leaving Ty alone to think things through not wanting to push him and wanting to get him to open up, but it has been a few days now, I take it he is eating, do they leave a tray outside his door?  Of course the online help line won't give all the answers but good for John for thinking about it as you said atrus they have to adapt the suggestions to their own situation.  Irene is back with a brief mention of Mick and was brought up to date on the happenings, though I was not happy Marilyn told her about Ty, that is not up to her, it's for Ty when he decides to let people know and who he tells.   Marilyn should be thinking about the situation from Raffy's point of view, she's just found out her first boyfriend who she was sharing a house with is gay - be awkward enough for two adults let alone two teenagers. Be very frosty atmosphere for all, everyone walking around on eggshells.  Do wonder how long Raffy will be back at the Morgan's before the next crisis forces her out for her own safety.

Posted

To start, the wedding was beautiful to watch. I love watching Veody and Ziggy together so much, I glad that they're happy together and hopefully it will last. It was sweet to see that Ziggy's doubts disappeared with Brody's text, but I wonder if it might show up again. The scenes Brody had with his siblings was also lovely, honestly it's one of the best episodes I've seen in a lone time. Justin's speech was great as well, though I would have liked for Mason to do something like that as well, he is the best man after all. Despite that, I did like the scenes with him and Dempsey. The honeymoon was great fun, it's nice to see some light-hearted, funny stuff in this with all the emotional stories with Ty and Maggie and all the dark stories with Ebony and Robbo (or Ryan as I swore to call him by. Yes I remembered! ?). But it's a shame that Maggie's cancer had to kicking the last moment. Again, some strong emotional scene with the Astonis here. I'm with you artrus, while I totally understand that continuing with the decision is Maggie's choice, I do also sympathise with Coco as well. I disagree with Red, she's not just making this all about herself, she is just scared for her mother. She could have acted better, I can't argue with that, but in this circumstances, a big decision like this I think should be known to all the family. Leaving Coco in the dark shouldn't in my opinion have happened. They're a family, they need to work together. While I do want Ziggy and Brody to enjoy their honeymoon, I also want Coco to tell Ziggy what happened, she's right, Ziggy would want to know. I really felt for all three of them, Ben,Maggie and Coco, this is real hard for all of them. I did like Tori giving Maggie encouragement, when she's a doctor, I think she's at her best.

While I think John and Marilyn's idea to just leave Ty in his room is not the best at all, I did enjoy them in this episode. They trying their best in these new circumstances, and they are trying to understand what would be best for him. So I'll give them that. 

Hunter and Olivia- YAWN! 

Also, great to have Irene back! ?

 

 

 

 

 

Posted

Ziggy having doubts about Brody e en before getting married I wouldn't say is the greatest start and tells me that they probably won't last that long they have never convince me of being that good of match

There is just something I find slightly creepy with Dempsey and Mason I think it's Masons techquie of trying to impress haha

Posted
2 hours ago, H&Alover said:

  Yes she's coming across as bratty and making it seem it's all about her, but how would you as a 16 year old girl feel if it was your mum (or dad)?  It's tough on all the family to watch Maggie suffer all the side affects of chemo, but it is her who is/has been going through it and as she said to Tori, on top form again as a doctor, she did everything she was supposed to, followed all the rules and it still keeps coming back to attack her.  They have to sit down as a family, now Coco knows, and discuss it rationally and calmly.  They have all the medical facts and how it affects Maggie physically but it's the emotional effects it's having on all of them.  Ben & Ziggy are old enough to accept Maggie's decision, but Coco, not making excuses for her, is a teenager.  

While I do agree, the problem I have with Coco being bratty is that I just can’t make myself  see her as a young teen. I don’t know if it’s the acting or just that the actress just looks closer to her actual age - something in her mannerisms just says not a teenager so I struggle to accept her behaviour. Compared to Raffy she’s just not as believable. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not enjoying watching bratty Raffy either but somehow shes more real for me.

And yes, Raffy, pick a home and stay there. Every time she has a hissy fit because life isn’t going her way she leaves wherever she is and goes to her other room. Emotionally blackmailing either her siblings or John and Maz in the process. 

Posted

Coco was much less annoying in this episode, mainly because she was being less tantrummy. I'm still not convinced that Ziggy needed to be told that minute.Of course she'd want to be there if she knew, but unless there was going to be some drastic change in Maggie's condition in the next four days, I think they would have been best letting her enjoy her honeymoon and then bringing her up to speed when she got back.So, Maggie's going back on the chemo.Well, it was her choice, as it should be, even if she did have her family chiming in with their opinions.Ryder handled things well with Coco, neither agreeing with her nor arguing, just providing a sounding board for her to vent.

I cringed at John coming out with self-help phrases that were probably not meant to be spouted verbatim, but when he dropped the jargon and was just himself, admitting he had no idea what he was supposed to say but he supported Ty anyway, he actually did a pretty good job.Ty's feelings for Ryder were addressed properly and used as an explanation for him shunning people, as once the initial shock had passed at the hospital he had no idea how to deal with him.In the end, they dealt with it how any teenage boys would, not with a deep and meaningful discussion but by talking around it and making jokes.At the end of the day, Ty's better off with him as a friend, however awkward it may be.Unfortunately, all this good work is being undermined by the continued Marilyn Chambers Child Snatcher storyline, where again it feels like we're meant to be on her side as she whines "We can't lose her." She's not yours to lose, Marilyn, and the fact she might actually be happier and better off with her family hasn't even crossed her mind, because it's not about Raffy being happy or what's best for her, it's about Marilyn not wanting to give a doll back.

To be honest, it does feel like the show is doing too much at once and it's getting in the way, as with the Palmers dividing their attention when Ty should be the priority and Raffy doesn't actually need them.I'm holding out for a Raffy/Coco scene, but the last two episodes seem to be threatening to have one and then not delivering it, with Raffy in the storyline with Ty, Coco in the storyline with Maggie and no crossover.Similarly, we've got the Ebony/Robbo/Colby stuff going on in a bubble with very little reaction from the rest of the town, not even the Morgans (aside from Tori treating Colby) who really should be involved with it.The show's made in roads in making it seem like all the characters actually belong in the same show since the days when half the week was Braxton-centric crime stories and the other half was the rest of the characters but there's still room for improvement.

3 hours ago, Little bean said:

While I do agree, the problem I have with Coco being bratty is that I just can’t make myself  see her as a young teen. I don’t know if it’s the acting or just that the actress just looks closer to her actual age - something in her mannerisms just says not a teenager so I struggle to accept her behaviour.

Isn't the actress 17, same as her character? I seem to remember there was some talk about the age gap between her and the guy who plays Ryder, who actually is 20-odd playing 17.

Posted
1 hour ago, Red Ranger 1 said:

 

Isn't the actress 17, same as her character? I seem to remember there was some talk about the age gap between her and the guy who plays Ryder, who actually is 20-odd playing 17.

Thanks. I looked her up and yes, you’re right. I’m really surprised. Something about her feels much older. I hadn’t realised that Coco was meant to be 17 either. I was thinking 15/16 at the most. They must have mentioned her age at some point but I’ve never really warmed to the Astoni’s so it seems to have just washed over me. Why were they introduced in such a negative way? As much as I think the cancer storyline has been done really well, I can’t seem to get past my initial disinterest in them all. Must try harder!! 

Posted
38 minutes ago, Little bean said:

I hadn’t realised that Coco was meant to be 17 either. I was thinking 15/16 at the most.

To be fair, as I'm sure someone will remind me, we haven't actually been told Coco's 17, but she was 16 when she came in and has been there just over a year, so she should be 17 by now!

Posted

I think it was difficult to imagine being faced by a desperate Ziggy and Coco like that and Maggie not relenting and changing her mind about the chemo, which of course is presumably why she initially tried to keep her decision to withdraw from treatment from them -- so they couldn't talk her out of it. I must confess to being glad that they did, though, and just hope that this time she sees some benefit from all the hardship of chemo. It's very rare I feel this invested in an illness storyline on a soap; I think it's shown up what a wonderful mum and wife Maggie is, and I really don't want her to die.

I continue to feel bad for Raffy, who's facing every bit as much heartbreak as Ty, and wish Marilyn would just give her a bit of space, really, and let her come to terms with the new configuration of things in her own time. (It would be really nice to see some scenes between Raffy and her siblings dealing with all this, but they're still rarely in the same episode which is a shame.)

But in particular, it was brilliant to see that Ty's feelings for Ryder haven't been forgotten amongst the more general coming-out/Raffy angst, as I feared they might me and as they often are in these storylines. Evidently he's keeping up appearances when he occasionally surfaces for food, so John and Marilyn don't worry more than they already are; but what I think we essentially learn here, reading between the lines, is that Ty's basically been going cold-turkey over Ryder by hiding under his duvet and crying for a week. And sometimes that's just necessary; I understand it, and remember it only too well. But those feelings were given just enough focus today, I thought, both through Ty's scene with John and later, the scene with Ryder himself. In which there was no angst-ridden hand-wringing, but just this lovely, bittersweet exchange.

TY: I get it; she feels rejected. Trust me - I know the feeling.
RYDER: ...
TY: I may have been avoiding you. But I'm over it now. Mostly.
RYDER: Well, I get it. I'm amazing.

Part of me would have loved them to say more, but as Red said: these are teenage boys, not reputed for their emotional articulacy, so I think it actually rings truer for the brevity of it. Ryder being so sweet about and unperturbed by everything that's happened probably isn't helping Ty in one sense, in that it's likely just making him love Ryder more. But John is also right to say that good friends are for keeps; and chances are that, while things are probably still a bit painful right now, the fact that Ty and Ryder's friendship has undergone this whole upheaval and survived it will only serve to cement their closeness in the long-run.

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