Rest in peace Lola! While Callum got a few good moments in this ep, we now know that Ben didn't, in fact, make it to say goodbye. It's closing time at the Vic, and Callum's at the bar drinking up. I think he's at a bit of a loss over what to do - Ben's… Continue reading 31st May, goodbye Lo

Last night Ben finally got in touch, but it's clear he has no idea how much worse things have gotten and how much Lexi has needed him there for important conversations. We see both of Ben's parents worrying about him near the start of the episode - Kathy, who in typical Kathy style, interprets Ben's… Continue reading 30th May, forgive himself

It's already getting heavy in our first ep of the week, with Lola noticeably weaker. However we saw the Square try to lift her spirits, and Billy defend his family. While Kathy wonders why she hasn't heard from Ben in a few days, Callum turns up to the cafe at the exact moment she's declaring… Continue reading 29th May, trying his best

Well, that was a sad ep. And Ben, unable to control his impulses and asking for Callum's support and understanding about how important this is to him, was just heartbreaking. At the flat, Ben's blending some kind of green smoothie as Callum comes in with two takeaway coffees from the cafe. Callum is wondering what… Continue reading 25th May, one special day

I think it’s fair to say that Ben’s behaviour last night was an escalation of the episode before. He’s acting impulsively and frantically, desperate not to let the bad thing happen. But it doesn’t change the fact that Ben’s mental illness is informing his behaviour and thinking patterns, even if that behaviour isn’t palatable. Out… Continue reading 24th May, stay positive

We can really see Ben's desperation now as he worries about Lola not being in the hospital, and decides to hold himself accountable for Lola surviving long enough to see Lexi go to secondary school. Ben turns up at the hospital where they're preparing for Lola to go home. Jay spots him as he approaches… Continue reading 22nd May, all of it

As Thursday was a Jola two hander, Wednesday was our last glimpse of either of Ballum for the week - and it was just some family scenes for Ben, as they learn Lola hasn't got months left; she's got weeks. Lola wakes up in hospital after her scary incident in the previous episode, and is… Continue reading 17th May, pressure

A couple of short Ben scenes today as he tries to show Lola he can be trusted, even with others around him implying that he can't. As Ben leaves the cafe with a coffee and in the maroon grief hoodie (never a good sign), he runs into Billy and Lola. Lola asks him how he… Continue reading 16th May, low key

Well, Ben might be telling everyone he's fine, but it's clear he's continuing to suffer in silence; and there was also a bit of PR foreshading last night too, even though the actual arrangements continue to confuse. We're set a few days after the Eurovision party it seems, and Callum's returning from a night shift… Continue reading 15th May, make peace

Thursday's episode saw a continuation of Ben trying to do everything, dropping one plate and then just letting everything else crash down as well, exhausted and angry at his own feeling of inadequacy. When we see Ben in the markets, he's rubbing his stomach and looking tired. It's a visual sign of his hunger and… Continue reading 11th May, handle it all