The Big Debate - August 2008

[RitaLittlewood]

With press reports of forthcoming violent storylines in both EastEnders and Coronation Street, are they going too far in the quest for ratings? Would you like a return to family viewing or are you happy with things the way they are?

Patsy

[eithne]

Great topic Patsy. Its a toughie though isn't it? Part of me says no - they are only protraying what is happening on a daily basis on streets nowadays. Stabbings and murders are all part of everyday life now and should be included. But the other part of me says that soaps are escapism. They should allow people a break away from what they are used to, especially if its something as bad as violence.

But if they are well done, I think they can be for the good as they'll hopefully scare young people who are influenced by soap characters into staying away from violence and to stay away from gangs. Again though the soaps can sometimes do things wrong and end up glamourising violence etc.

I really am in two minds about this topic to be honest. I wonder if what everyone else says will change my mind...?

[CG Wendy]

If soaps were before the 9pm watershed like most soaps, then I`d prefer less violence. After 9pm though, anything within reason would be ok.
I`m all for realism in a soap but would rather watch something that`s implied rather than the actual beating/stabbing. Corrie in the 60`s had it spot on.

[RitaLittlewood]

The older I get the more I agree with David Jason about good, clean entertainment the whole family can enjoy. Things have changed so much over the years. Once upon a time things were implied whereas now it's right there and often setting a bad example to kids today. Soaps have a very fine line to tread but I think they cross it far too often to get a quick ratings fix. There's so much violence in them these days what stands out to be rememebered years from now? Too many TV programmes as it is has needless sex and violence to get the viewers but soaps, as they're the most watched generally, are the worst offenders. Once upon a time half the things they get away with wouldn't be shown until after 9pm. When you think back to how the likes of the Sweeney were considered violent but it's tame compared to the soaps.

Patsy

[CG Wendy]

That`s exactly how I feel Pats.
One of me and hubbys favourite shows is Heartbeat. Good entertainment without the cussing, extreme violence or adult themes. Saying that, hubby loves The Sweeney too lol

I wouldn`t let my teenagers watch EastEnders that`s for sure. Take last week for instance when Roxy was on the roof without underwear on and Sean told the blokes he didn`t want them to see Roxies 'lady garden'. Too much information and really not needed. I`m not a prude by any means, but I blushed a bit when Sean said that.

[RitaLittlewood]

I couldn't believe that in EE. I'm no prude either but things are really being pushed to the limit these days as if they're trying to see how far they can go. I only really watch EE every week. Occasionally there's something else like New Tricks but 99% of the time my TV is off. Look at the ITV Henry VIII with Ray Winstone. Now that didn't need the rape scene. No one knows if it even happened. It was put in for ratings. Most comedy doesn't need swearing. If they swear then it's just not funny. What has happened to TV?

Patsy

[CG Wendy]

I watch EE, Corrie, Emmerdale and Casualty on a regular basis. And I watch Hollyoaks from BBC America online.
What I hate about EE at the moment is that they use the same characters over and over again. There are so many adult themes in it lately that it should be moved to a 9pm slot. Even the wedding between Scorn and Poxy was adult themed. It was very difficult to watch.

[RitaLittlewood]

They do with Corrie too which is one reason I got bored.

Oh agreed about the adult themes. Wasn't there something in Corrie recently ith Liz and the bookie and she was on the worktop of his flat? I seem to remember seeing something as I waited to check the credits. Now we all know what that leads to in the real world.

Patsy

[eithne]

Oh yeah, Liz was on the worktop with the bookie but they got rudely interuppted by his then soon-to-be ex-wife! LOL!

[RitaLittlewood]

Fatal Attraction they's have been at it. How long until that happens in the soaps? Do you remember the uproar over Kat and Alfie's table scene?

Patsy

[pearly queen]

The violence in soaps is quite disturbing.

When scenes of fighting, murder or violent accidents involving blood and guts are shown on tv the right-minded majority of us turn away in disgust and think 'Was that necessary?'.
Unfortunately a tiny percentage of nutters get fired up by that sort of thing, and want to re-enact it; when asked why they committed such and such sickening act they claim that it's 'everyday behaviour' and that they saw it on telly.
Of course this is no defence - but when people who are already not that stable are immersed in violence, depravity, disrespect and crime in their leisure pursuits ie tv, cinema, video games etc. reality and fantasy can be blurred, and they wind up doing awful things.

I'm not saying it's a modern thing - violence has always provided entertainment - public executions, cock fighting, gladiators, lions v Christians etc. but those were staged events that people had to make an effort to go to watch, if they were so inclined. Scenes of people being hung, drawn and quartered were not beamed into our living rooms several times a week, just after we'd finished washing the dishes.

I agree that soaps should reflect reality (current attitudes and issues) - but the violence should be off the screen. Leave the gore for the late night horror films.

[RitaLittlewood]

Well said, Pearly.

Patsy

[eithne]

Some very good points there pearly and thanks for adding an interesting side to the debate. I agree especially when you say that violence has always been a staple of human existence with public executions, gladiators etc. but the fact that it is now beamed into our homes and is such a regularity must have some effect on human mentality.