As a proud and self-described soap addict, nothing makes me happier than seeing one of my favorite series succeed.
I am aware of how hard soap opera teams work, putting in up to ten scenes a day and six episodes a week, even when they aren’t performing at their best.
Emmerdale is really bustling, action-packed, and diverse right now, and I adore how irresistible it seems.
It did experience a bit of a slowdown at times about a year ago, but it has advanced significantly since then, in my opinion, with the exception of a few really interesting plot points like Paddy’s depression and Marlon’s stroke.
Right now, I’m loving it more than ever. I look forward to every episode and practically breathe in the plots that are supplied to me so that I can create previews.
I genuinely think Emmerdale is correct to take its time with Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) experience at the hands of Tom King (James Chase), even though there is a case to be made for it running on a bit too long.
This type of situation occurs in real life for years, and once the law gets involved, it is infamously difficult to escape and make stick. It’s quite common, and we likely only know half of it because so many people suffer in quiet.
Overall, the plot has been a powerful one, even though I myself might have avoided the more dramatic scenes, such as Tom walking around with an axe wound in his back (however, what a shock moment!).
It makes sense that Eden has been at the top of her game, matching or even surpassing her previous greatest accomplishments in the areas of psychosis and mental health. James has been incredibly scary in his extremely challenging role as Tom.
Come on, Piper the dog has added a lot. Minnie, the dog actress, may be my all-time favorite soap opera pet.
Even while this narrative has taken center stage, Emmerdale isn’t ignoring other characters.
After being annoyingly polite for a while, I have long urged Kim Tate (Claire King) to regain her edge.
Claire flourishes here; I know that’s what she loves, and I know the rest of the audience and I long for it as well.
It has been a pleasure to bring back some campness to Home Farm, and I can promise you that it will only get more intense.
The brain tumor plotline has given one of TV’s top actors, Natalie J. Robb, some genuine meat, allowing her to show off her unbelievable nuanced acting.
As Cain and Moira deal with the worry that she won’t make it, I have yearned for her and been astounded once more by the writing and the acting, especially between Natalie and her chemistry-rich co-star Jeff Hordley.
Top actors with a ton of upcoming material, such Danny Miller as Aaron Dingle and Michael Parr as Ross Barton, have also been enticed back to the show.
With his full on rogue side restored and a tormented soul on display, Ross is at his most self-destructive. Indeed, I am eager to see how Charity’s (Emma Atkins) situation develops.
There is a lot to explore about the mystery that is John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth), not only with Aaron but also with his background and overall aura.
In relation to troubled pasts, Paula Lane’s portrayal of Ella Forster also caught my attention. The part of a historic killer child must have been difficult to understand, and the debate must have been intimidating, even though her performance as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street more than demonstrated her abilities.
Even though the discovery has already happened, there is still a depth to her that begs to be discovered—sometimes even more evil. And I think we’ll see more of that when she discovers Liam’s (Jonny McPherson) attraction to Chas (Lucy Pargeter).
And the legendary Beth Cordingly as Ruby Fox-Miligan, who is chaotic, sometimes nasty, sometimes vulnerable and haunted, and simply an all-around classic female soap character with the makings of a legend, is my absolute favorite addition to soap operas from the past year.
With special episodes like Belle and Tom’s dinner party and one that examined the possible scenarios for her story, Emmerdale has also managed to mix things up quite a little. There will be more of those in the future. I’ve seen one, and it’s unique, captivating, and full of surprises.
In addition to popular plots ranging from action-packed to emotional and problem-driven, Emmerdale is, in my opinion, setting the standard for humor and community.
I previously talked about how much I love the Dingles, and this showed them at their best—a family full of diverse personalities. The memorial episodes to Zak Dingle would have surely made Steve Halliwell proud.
I still find it interesting to write about their storylines, and it’s a terrific moment to be an Emmerdale fan.
I am excited about what lies ahead, and ITV made the right choice by adopting a digital-led approach, which will ensure that its legendary series have a far longer lifespan.
I am eager to observe the responses because I am well aware of what is ahead.
I have no doubt that they will be as excited as I am, for the most part. Cheers to the Dales and its most recent golden age!