Frank's for the memory
Tony Stewart
The Mirror
29/03/2008[/align]
Having both been married to and conned by that infamous scoundrel Frank Butcher, it’s amazing that neither Pat nor Peggy look at the calendar when his coffin arrives on board a horse-drawn hearse this Tuesday. As Frank’d say, we’ve got a right couple of pilchards here… Because knowing him to be the master of duckin’, divin’ and deception, this could be an elaborate April Fools’ Day hoax – much like he faked his own death in Spain in early 2002.
Normally, the peroxide pensioners would rip off the coffin lid and hold a mirror to Frank’s mouth just to make sure he’d stopped breathing. But they behave almost with dignity. Sadly, this time Frank is most definitely brown bread. And, in their way, these episodes are a belated tribute to the actor who played him for nearly 20 years, Mike Reid, who sadly passed away last July. Even from inside his box, Frank manipulates Pat and Peg into fighting yet again. Peg dances on his grave, while Pat describes him as her ‘soul mate’. ‘The real Frank was ’orrible, nasty and rotten through to the core,’ Peggy spits as they slap each other. ‘Will you listen to yerself, you stupid fat, old tart? The only fing Frank Butcher wanted from you was sex.’
With Enders on blistering form at present, this is also a timely reminder of the ghosts of Albert Square, because Frank’s funeral brings back his kids. Thickaaay Rickaaay – one of the few fellas who makes Peter Andre seem intelligent – arrives with his dippy fiancee Melinda, and his enigmatic sister Diane with her romantic secret. Best of all, one of soapland’s legendary soap bitches is here – black widow Janine, all screw-you attitude, designer clothes and a Mercedes Benz. ‘Well, the prodigal returns,’ Pat sneers, two and a half years after Janine’s murder trial collapsed. ‘I know why you’re here, but don’t worry. You haven’t missed the will.’
As Rickaaay tries to contact his ex-wife Bianca so that their son Liam can come to the funeral, we also catch up with her again as she hits hard times. Volatile and poignant with black and white flashbacks, this is a fitting send off for a great EastEnder. As his ashes are scattered in the gardens, there can be only one epitaph for him and Mike Reid – it’s ‘where his heart is’. Yeah, Frank’s for the memories, mate…
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. Couldn't believe how old and worn poor Rickaaay looked. Thought Bianaca looked pretty good considering the years in between. Thanks for keeping these shows going Face.
