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It's an unfair cop

Emmerdale's Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) in the dock
  • Posted at 5:18pm
  • 27 February 2009
  • by GarethMcLean-RT

Life is often a trial in Soapland, but generally that's only metaphorical. Sometimes, though, the trial is real. Currently, two court cases are in progress: in Weatherfield, Gary Windass is accused of beating up David Platt, while over the Pennines in Emmerdale, Debbie Dingle is charged with the killing of corrupt copper Shane.

That both defendants are in the dock for crimes they didn't commit is no coincidence. More often than not, soap criminals manage to evade the law - EastEnders' Janine got away with pushing Barry over a cliff; Coronation Street serial killer Richard Hillman died before being brought to justice; and Emmerdale's Carl King still hasn't paid for murdering his father - while the innocent find themselves facing jail.

The fact is that there's much more drama in a miscarriage of justice, or the prospect of one, than there is in a guilty individual being caught and convicted. When Deirdre in Coronation Street was banged up for a fraud of which she was entirely innocent, questions were asked in Parliament about the fate of the Weatherfield One. Equally, it's much more satisfying if wrongdoers are punished by their inner demons. The misery of Corrie's Tony Gordon or even Hollyoaks' Warren Fox is infinitely more entertaining than the guilty pair being apprehended and marched off in handcuffs.

In the case of Gary, Tina is expected by David to perjure herself to send down her lover's nemesis. But troubled by the enormity of lying on the stand, she might like to consider the words of Gandhi: "There is a higher court than the courts of justice and that is the court of conscience." Both Debbie and Gary await their fates with trepidation, as well they might - soap prisons are no picnic, even soap youth offender institutions, and Darren and Jack Osborne will testify to the toughness of HMP Hollyoaks. "See you in court!" works well as a threat, but as confirmation of a date, it's anything but romantic.

Emmerdale

As Debbie has her day in court, Jasmine faces a dilemma: to condemn herself by returning to save her friend, or to skip town, never to be seen again?

There's rarely a dull moment in Bob's life and the excitement shows no sign of abating as, struggling to keep his businesses afloat in Viv's absence, Brenda makes him an offer he can't refuse.

As Katie warns Nicola off Mark, Yorkshire's golddigger-in-chief turns to Jimmy. Believing he's loaded, Nicola woos the princely King. He'll soon learn the real reason she's interested.

EastEnders

It was only a matter of time - sure enough, murderous Janine and manipulative Archie join in the persecution of Peggy. But Janine's impatience may yet cause divisions.

Callum's secret sadness is exposed after run-ins with both Jean and Stacey. It seems that, inside, the wide-boy is more of a scared little boy, and the revelation is compelling indeed.

Poor Charlie Slater is a bit player in the story of his own life. As he bids to get closer to Brenda, his efforts are sabotaged by his own family, and mainly by Mo. Well done, missus.

Coronation Street

Heartbreak won't kill you, but you might wish it did. Leanne is gutted when Peter returns, promising the moon, but delivering misery. Meanwhile, Ken's plan to come clean to Martha goes awry. Like father, like son?

Ignoring the leisurely repentance to follow a hasty marriage, Becky and Steve hurtle towards their nuptials. But does planning to tie the knot on Friday 13th bode well?

As locations for art galleries go, Weatherfield wouldn't be top of anyone's list, but Tara is set on achieving her hitherto private dream - and Dev offers her an empty shop to transform into her gallery. Roll on that opening.

Hollyoaks

Once a pillar of his community, Calvin's fall looks complete, even having come clean to Carmel about Nige's "murder". Torn between disgust and longing, can she forgive her husband?

Though the McQueens are the definition of a bad lot, Theresa sinks ever lower as she chases after Ste. She may be heading for a fall - literally, if his history's anything to go by.

How do you fill your days when you're too young, even in Hollyoaks, to go off the rails? How about starting a detective agency? Given the area's crime rate, Tom and Holly should do well.

The Archers

Though spring is around the corner, it's still frosty in Borsetshire. As a beleaguered Matt takes out his frustrations on Lilian, she realises his business woes are even worse than she imagined. Meanwhile, Caroline faces tough choices at Grey Gables, where there are now more hotel staff than guests. Sadly, she concludes she has no choice but to dish out several P45s - place your bets now on who won't make the cut. If only Oliver could support his wife as she has supported him. There is a way, of course, but it would involve him stepping away from the Grange Farm dairy - and how would that play with his milk mates, Ed, Mike and Jazzer?

And as Tom celebrates his escape from Brian - perhaps a little prematurely - Helen bids Bridge Farm farewell and finally moves into her own flat. Just in time for her 40th birthday, too!

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