Hands up who loved the return of 'Mary the Punk' and Lofty to Walford last week? Nostalgia came to EastEnders when former Walford residents Lofty and Mary - complete with her daughter, not-so-baby Annie - returned to the Square for Dr. Legg's funeral. I was surprised when I heard that the two eighties' characters were coming back, and even more surprised when I found out they were going to be played by the original actors, Tom Watt and Linda Davidson, especially as Davidson was said to have retired from acting years ago. I couldn't wait to see them back on screen... but I couldn't help but feel a little skeptical.
In recent years EastEnders have tried to play the nostalgia card by bringing back past characters, and even though these comebacks have been highly anticipated, when it actually happens I can't help but feel underwhelmed. Mel Owen is hard-faced and unlikeable; I sometimes forget the resurrected Kathy Beale has been resurrected; I'm really not sure I understand the point of Ruby Allen's return, and let's not talk about the debacle that was Michelle Fowler. The once iconic character will now forever be associated with one of the most disastrous soap comebacks of all time. Let's hope we can expect more from Sean Slater's return.
For those of us who have watched EastEnders since the early days, we know how popular the characters George 'Lofty' Holloway and Mary Smith were. They had some pretty intense, and in Mary's case, gritty storylines and were often at the forefront of all the drama. So it would be a huge disappointment for the fans if their long-awaited comebacks were just one huge flop.
But thankfully - in my opinion at least- it proved to be anything but. It was fantastic to see them back in the Square, reminiscing with Sharon, Dot, and Kathy. Incidentally I had actually stumbled across old EastEnders video clips featuring some of Lofty and Mary's scenes of the exact events that they were talking about in The Vic with their old mates. And not wanting to give too much away for those who have yet to see this episode but it was lovely to see that things have worked out well for two of the most downtrodden characters in Albert Square. Though why Lofty would still be pining after his ex-wife, miserable Michelle, I don't know!
The only complaints I have about Lofty and Mary's visit are that it wasn't long enough, and that Ian Beale was missing from the group. Could you just imagine his face when he discovers that Lofty is a bigger success story than him - and much, much nicer!
Despite being sad at having to say goodbye to Dr. Legg, it was a terrific send-off for an iconic character and a very enjoyable episode. No doubt the cast had as great a time filming these scenes, catching up with old friends and reminiscing as us viewers did watching this very bittersweet episode. Well done, EastEnders! This is how you do it!
Check out our post, Five EastEnders Characters Who Should Make A Comeback.
Which EastEnders character would you like to see make a return?
Photos: YouTube
Blog graphics: Angel Noire
@Bailamos - It was lovely to see the return of two characters from the old days and to see that they'd both turned their lives around. But why Lofty was still moping after that miserable Michelle after all those years, I don't know.
I tuned in specially to see Lofty and Mary. They were both life's losers all those years ago. It's lovely to see a positive change for them both.