We technically did get Ballum tonight folks. No Callum in the episode (though a few funny Ben scenes), but EastEnders decided to drop the trailer for Wedding Week right afterwards, which did feature Ballum! But first, about tonight..
Screencaps for this episode can be found here.
Ben’s in the pub with Mitch, of all people, listening in on the brainstorming session with Mick about stag do ideas for Callum. Mitch cracks a few jokes and Ben is amused by the whole thing – but amused not only at Mitch’s antics, but perhaps also by the fact they’re discussing ideas for Callum’s stag, a man he knows deep down doesn’t want to do all of this. He looked a little sad at times – like when Mitch is pretending to make a speech to the happy couple, right before he makes the punchline.
Still in the Vic, Ben buys Jay a pint to say sorry for involving him in the drama with Phil. Jay, of course, is his usual lovely self and fondly calls Ben a muppet. But Ben is happy that he’s talking to him again. We learn Ben is still trying to get Phil’s trust back (give it up Ben, he’s not worth it!), by still looking for Louise. He mentions the fact that the Taylors might know something about Keanu’s whereabouts, and Jay mentions how it’s always the mums that know stuff. Which gives Ben an idea…
The main plot of this episode was Hunter escaping from prison and Mel trying to figure out a plan. Ben knocks on the door of the E20 office where Hunter and Mel are. Mel hides Hunter before seeing to Ben, but Ben sees the two bottles on the desk and gives a knowing smile – though I think he assumes she’s got a man hiding somewhere and they’re having a bit of fun. He asks which hospital Lisa – Louise’s mum – is staying at, and Mel gives him the info but Ben doesn’t tell her why he wants it. Mel seems a bit worried, but she obviously has bigger concerns, like her fugitive son that’s hiding under the desk with a gash on his leg.
Final Ben scene of the night is him on the phone, in the kitchen in the dark, trying to find out visiting hours for the hospital Lisa is supposedly at. I have no idea why he put on a posh voice but it was hilarious, especially when he abandoned it once he was told Lisa wasn’t there. Another idea to find Louise thwarted. It’s now turned from bringing Keanu back to do time, to finding Louise to get back into Phil’s good books. I just hope he’s not expecting a pat on the back from Phil… ever.
So that was our lot from the episode. But right after, the EastEnders Press twitter account dropped this trailer on us! It’s only 30 seconds but we’ve got a worried Callum watching Whitney sleep, them looking at each other across the wedding venue, and – the best part – a soft Ballum hug! The thing is it gives pretty much nothing away. Lots of scenes but no idea where or how they fit into the sequence of events. We got a voiceover of Stuart telling Callum that Whitney loves him, and Callum saying “Stop trying to kid me into thinking everything is going to be alright.” Oh, honey. Callum and Whitney are lying on the bed in their stag/hen clothes, so that could be set next Friday, or Monday, before the wedding. Then Ben and Callum are hugging in the same room – Callum with a bottle of alcohol in his hand. But both dressed for the wedding. So not sure when that will be – presumably in the morning, after Whit’s gone to the Fowler house to put her dress on. And Ben drinking alone in E20 as Keanu arrives, still in his wedding clothes… hmm. Not to mention Callum’s cut lip, and the look on Whitney’s face as she looks at him… many questions!
Apparently we’re also getting a wealth of content on Monday regarding Ballum (interviews with Max and Tony as well as the EPs, Kate Oates and Jon Sen), so look out for that!
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