t was 1985, and KOCE public television debuted a new style of British import, a show very different from the elegant period dramas Americans had become accustomed to on “Masterpiece Theatre” and “Mystery.”
Instead, “EastEnders” centered on a contemporary, typical square in the East End of London, where the accent was complex cockney, life centered around a cozy pub and the people lived in small, compact council houses. They dressed in drab, inexpensive clothes and worked in dingy stores or at simple food stalls on the square.
How could such a premise even compete or entertain when American television shows of the 1980s (“Dynasty,” “Dallas” and “Knots Landing”) were all about looks, glamour, power and sex?
Well, “EastEnders” clicked with an audience weary of all things money and glam.
The show was a different kind of soap opera,real, gritty, unpretentious. Storylines were occasionally melodramatic but nothing like the escapism of American soaps and dramas.
The portrayal of working class Londoners horrified and educated us Yanks about a very different way of life in Britain.
“EastEnders” had aired on KOCE for 23 years until last week. That’s when the station opted to show its last episode, to the dismay of loyal local viewers (see ReaderLetters, below).
The show still is in production at Elstree Studios outside London and is a staple of British television. But due to the cost of purchasing a serial drama, KOCE is unable to broadcast the show anymore.
According to KOCE, the “EastEnders” audience is miniscule (even compared to the low viewership of many of the station’s other programs).
“EastEnders” viewers may have declined in recent years. But there are many who love the show and take its demise in the U.S. seriously.
Fans of “EastEnders” in Southern California have organized two clubs that have met monthly in Southland pubs to view episodes, partake in games and quizzes centered on “EastEnders” characters and plots and strategize how they can keep the show on the air.
In Orange County, fans of the show have met at the Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant in Santa Ana.
“EastEnders” club members have assisted at pledge nights at KOCE, written letters to celebrities for help and donated money to KOCE, especially for the show.
Why is “EastEnders” so special?
We believe the acting is the best on American television. The characters range from homely to stunning, but none are beyond dressing shabbily and crying until every ounce of makeup dissolves on screen.
The length of scenes varies from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, depending upon the storyline. And we have learned a new dialect.
It is depressing to see the conclusion of such a unique British soap opera. Fans of the show cannot believe that they will never again hear matriarch and pub owner Peggy Mitchell scream, “Get outta’ me pub!” or neighborhood busybody Dorothy “Dot” Branning exclaim, “Ooh, I say!”
Unless there is a cockney angel out there with a “few bob” ready to help KOCE, “EastEnders” is done in OC. It’s back to repetitive, unrealistic and commercial-filled television.
Teel lives in Mission Viejo and is a member of the Orange County “EastEnders” group.
