Is soapaholic a word? No. But whatever the equivalent is, that’s me. Far more than just a conversation starter with your nan, they are just as hilarious as they are dramatic. Here are the top 7 reasons we should stop thinking that soaps are reserved for the middle-aged knitters and celebrate some of the best TV available.
1. You’ll always have something to watch
They’re on almost every day, sometimes even twice. No stress of starting a new Netflix series and having to learn new names and relations, you can just slide right into the comfort of seeing the same familiar faces go through their daily trials and tribulations. Sounds dull when phrased like that but honestly, they drag you right in. Perfect for procrastinating for half hour or binge-watching the omnibus like it’s a feature length film. 2. Extreme style
You’ll be exposed to a world of wavy garms that you couldn’t imagine in your wildest dreams. From Ken Barlow’s kimono to Kat Slater’s killer heels, you won’t be short of inspiration. Soap characters obviously have to be larger than life and the same goes for their get-up. It’s a guaranteed cat-walk of outrageousness every episode. Or for some of the more chilled characters, you may even recognise some of your own fashion preferences. 3. Interior design
Not content with just expressing themselves through their outfits, the sets are filled with what I call garish-chic. Things that you couldn’t possibly contemplate putting in the actual home you live in, for fear it would eventually melt your eyes with its tastelessness. Horrible in real life but they make fantastic backdrops for the melodrama. However in case you do lack both sanity and taste, there’s a website where you can find out exactly where Mick and Linda Carter found that foul flamingo feature wall. You’re welcome.
Fun fact: Throughout Eastenders’ 30 years on our screens they’ve used enough wallpaper to reach the international and beyond. Not that fun but definitely a fact.
4. It’s a whole new language
It may take a while for non-Southerners to understand what on earth Danny Dyer is saying but it’s worth it. I consider myself bi-lingual now. The same goes for non-northerners understanding what Corrie characters mean by a ‘ginnel’ (scary ally you’re likely to overhear someone confessing to a murder or an affair in case you were wondering). 5. INTENSE DRAMA
I will be the first to admit that soap acting isn’t always Oscar-worthy but you cannot deny that the tram crash episode of Corrie wasn’t edge-of-your-seat stuff. Or the 2008 Branning Christmas? It is not supposed to be realistic but that’s the fun. How convincing is Ian Beale’s life really? Especially when his 10 year old son Bobby murdered his daughter with a music box and now he’s currently having to deal with the trauma of his mother coming back from the dead, plus her abusive husband who also happens to be Sharon’s long lost father. What really tops it all off though is the mystery of how he got a babe like Jane to be his wife?6. Serious issues
I understand that many people are cynical about the way soaps possibly exploit very traumatic issues all for the sake of increasing ratings, but there is something to be said about the issues they do handle well. Take for example the storyline in between Shelly and Charlie in 2004. Coronation Street depicted an abusive relationship that involved a much loved barmaid. It prompted hundreds of women to come forward after recognising the same behaviour in their partners. Using these characters that permeate our own lives creates more empathy and understanding. Whether that was Corrie’s intention or not, the effect has got to be seen as positive. Other soaps have done the same and encouraged people to become aware of issues that aren’t necessarily tackled in society.
7. They make you grateful you’re not Gail Platt
Finally if nothing else can convince you, just watch in the comfort that your life can’t possibly reach the depressing levels of the soaps. Be happy in the knowledge that no matter how bad it gets, you’ll never be Gail Platt. I hope you’re all rushing to get stuck in to a Monday double of Coronation Street.
RIP Deidre Barlow always in our hearts.
Edited by Naomi Upton
Image sources:
Image 3- Writer’s own
Image 4- http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3742008.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/EastEnders-WK27.jpg
Image 5- https://s3-ak.buzzfed.com/static/2014-12/20/6/enhanced/webdr11/enhanced-14338-1419076560-9.png
Image 6- http://www.eastendersultra.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Ian-crying.gif
Image 7- http://i59.tinypic.com/vgq1ah.jpg