First Cousins: The ICKS Factor

Just when I complimented Walford Kindergarten conttibutor The Other Slater Cousin on his/her intelligence, that person goes and has a Dumbass Moment.

With reference to the impending relationship between

Lauren Branning 

and

Joey Branning

TOSC chips in an idiocy, saying that nothing is wrong with this relationship, that they're just "close" relatives, and not real family. TOSC, and maybe EastEnders' writing room should pay attention to some research promoted by the BBC, that consaguinous marriages, cause birth defects and, maybe, should be banned.

Really, "consaguinous marriages" (or relationships) is a phrase that's a euphemism for "inbreeding." That describes the Brannings all over, because if the Mitchells are the East End Clampetts who eat off their pool table, then the Brannings are Deliverance in the flesh. And I'd sure rather be eating my vittles off a pool table than sharing my husband with my sister or bonking my first cousin.

Yet more sensationalism from a family whose very existence depends on that. They've grown too much, like a mutant tumour which needs excising. There were only two Brannings of any interest anyway, and one of them died. The entire clan could exist with representation from just Max, Abi and Carol. The rest can go to hell in a handcart.

Jack has children he needs to visit.

Derek needs to go back to prison or leave in a box.

Tanya needs to be reported for attempted murder and imprisoned for a long, long time.

Lauren needs to stop smelling her upper lip and get a job.

Bianca needs to stay in prison and stay away from Walford, and so do her kids.

Joey needs to go back tot he forest and blend in with all the rest of the trees.

Alice simply needs to be forgotten.

The last thing this programme needs is more air time for arguably the most unpopular family in the history of the show.