Why You Should Buy Radio Times'
EastEnders Special Edition
By Tim Wilson
Yeah, yeah, I know. I waxed rhapsodically last issue over the book
Who's Who in EastEnders, as well as the Happy 15th Birthday EastEnders
video (Editor's note: neither of which are available through the
Walford Gazette, due to rights issues). Too right, mates. Indeed, the
British Broadcasting Corp. has done itself proud in saluting EE on the
occasion of the programme's anniversary, and I have one more
commemorative product to add to the short but sweet list: the Radio
Times magazine's EastEnders Annivesary Special Edition (this one
the Gazette IS selling; see below for purchasing details).
Subtitled the Inside Story of Fifteen Years of Britain's favourite
soap, it's a 66-page glossy and a must for any EE fan because it
covers the show from its inception to the present day. I must stress
upfront that this magazine contains many "spoilers" of plots years
ahead of our PBS stations. Three-year periods are cleverly divided up
into five sections: 1985-1987 is subtitled "life on the street";
1988-1990, "Crime & Punishment "; and so forth. But this isn't just a
year-by-year chronicle. There are other terrific features that'll grab
your attention .
One such feature is titled "It's A Family Thing." This graph-laden
guide to the complex familial relationships on EE is truly
mind-boggling-no wonder there's an advisory to take two aspirin before
reading! There's the requisite centerfold, birds-eye view map of Albert
Square and its inhabitants (who lives where). And there are also
wonderful sidebars written by the Radio Times' soap pundit Alison
Graham. Entitled "Golden Grahams" (cute, huh?), these include topics as
diverse as Den's death, Arthur's ill-conceived fling with Mrs Hewitt,
with a great degree of humour and insight.
And then there are the fantastic photos! These are all beautifully
chosen and organized. You'll find yourself picking up this mag from
time to time to have a wallow. I especially dig that PunkMary pic on
page 11. Ah, but opposite on page 10 is my absolute favourite thing
about this anniversary special: a complete collection of Radio Times'
EastEnders covers over the years. There are 21 of 'em. Thanks to the
concerted efforts of Larry on behalf of the Walford Gazette, now you
can get your own copy. Go on, you know you want to.
EastEnders' complete inside story
Only $10.95 (including shipping) $15.95 for Canada
Send cheques made out to East End Company, Parkwest Finance Station,
P.O. Box 20631, New York, NY 10025
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