I just finished watching the episode for Frank Butcher’s Funeral Service. As much as I would like to remind myself that this is only television I have to admit I was more than a little moved. The episode was to say the least beautifully done. All denizens of Walford were present and accounted for. It seems all of us liked the twinkle in Franks eye.
Janine as promised returned and was truly greived.
Phil and Peggy Mitchell were respectful as well.
Ian sat in attendence somberly.
Dot Cotton looked… well like Dot Cotton.
Pat allowed us to travel twice into the past with her and Frank to their newlywed days.
What I am wondering is… where does television stop and reality begin. These people, our extended EastEnders family are real to me. For the most part I like all of them. And those few that I don’t like are still alive in my mind.
When characters on the telly and actors on the stage converge like this the loss felt by the community of Albert Square and the loss felt by ourselves is real. So we say goodbye to Frank and to Mike, and I have no photo montage to offer. Surely you can imagine this EastEnders day more blissfully than photos can show. Instead I place for you that same thing that Pat Butcher left for Frank… a single rose. Godspeed Frank and Mike.