I don’t know about you but when Casualty returned to our screens after what felt like a long break, I was really thrilled. They hit us with one of the most incredible episodes they have ever made, tackling the Covid-19 pandemic head on with heartfelt sincerity and refusing the shy away from what our NHS heroes have been dealing with for the past year. It was a real contrast to Doctors who, despite that one amazing episode last year, have barely acknowledged the pandemic when they, as a GP based soap, could be highlighting so much of the fallout of Coronavirus.
However, since then, all Casualty seem to have filled us with is plot holes and implausibility. At the beginning of every episode, we are reminded that there is flexibility with the use of face masks. But it isn’t just face masks. They need to say that there’s flexibility with Covid Rules and Regulations – such as visiting loved ones in hospitals. Apparently anyone can wander round Holby City Hospital whereas you’re not allowed to attend hospital with your Nan in real life, no matter how vulnerable she is!
As for actual stories, they totally built up Connie’s ‘new love interest’, claiming that it was going to be the last person we would expect. Jacob was literally the first person anyone would expect. And then they’ve split up anyway and Connie has left. Let’s pause for a moment to grieve for Amanda Mealing no longer on our screens.
And what on earth is going on with Jan? She is the most moral character on the show and has always been there to keep everyone in line and now she’s slipping drugs into the prison. Really?! Also, every time her wife appears on screen, who she has apparently been married to forever and everyone knows her; I can’t help but wonder where she – the police officer – was when Jan’s son was locked up for attempted murder. Just a mild musing.
And speaking of the paramedic team, Faith should 100% be dead now. I know there are difficulties with filming and social distancing and everything but the ambulance crash was so unrealistic. There is no way on earth Lev could have saved her. No way! He practically flew up out of the vehicle with Faith in his arms, a cape round his shoulders, his pants over the trousers and a big S on his chest – or maybe an L! Also, as one last aside, if he was so busy on those dating sites, how did Marty never notice him? He spent more time on those sites than at work. I detect a quick rewrite of a backstory that doesn’t completely make sense…
I have watched Casualty since I was a small child and I do hope that this is a blip. The show is capable of such amazing things. Just looking at it’s triumphant return episode alone, proves that, let alone all those series gone by. I look forward to episodes of that quality in future.
The Soap Dish 