The BBC in the UK has received a barrage of complaints from Christians over a recent Eastenders episode. The story involves the murdering of 2 people by a Pentecostal preacher and has lead hundreds of Christians to email and phone the BBC in protest. At least, that's the impression that certain newspapers give. It is, however, worth reviewing the facts behind the story.
The Episode(s) in Question
In the episode aired on 26th November 2009 Lucas Johnson (played by Don Gilet) strangled love rival Owen Turner (Lee Ross) and then married Denise Wicks (Diane Parish). Denise is, in fact, Lucas' second wife (he'd accidentally killed his first one earlier in the series). Lucas then spends the next few months try to pretend that Owen is still alive. Things are made more complicated when his daughter's dog starts sniffing around the tree under which Lucas has hidden the body. Lucas takes the dog for a walk but returns without it. Eventually Lucas admits the murder to Denise and says that he will go to the Police and admit everything if she goes with her. However, instead of the Police station, Lucas takes her to the local canal and strangles her as well.
The Complaints
The Voice Online reports that "Hundreds of angry Christians have blasted the BBC over the storyline in long-running soap, Eastenders, which sees Pentecostal preacher Lucas Johnson turn into a crazed killer." and that "Viewers have complained that the plot is offensive to their faith".
The Press Association at Google say that "An EastEnders storyline portraying preacher Lucas Johnson as a twisted killer has sparked complaints that it is offensive to the Christian faith" and "More than a hundred complaints have been received about the plotline, which has seen the Bible-spouting man of the cloth fail to help dying ex-wife Trina, strangle love rival Owen and attack new wife Denise".
It appears that, quite rightly, Christians in the UK are making a stand about this subject and complaining that this is not how a man of God should act. However, it would appear that the facts are not that clear cut.
Not Quite the Whole Picture
The popular UK paper The Sun reports a slightly different slant on the story. It agrees that "more than 100 viewers complained this week about EastEnders serial killer Lucas Johnson" and that the story line has prompted "103 shocked fans to protest". However they go on to explain that "it was hinted on Wednesday night's show that Lucas, played by Don Gilet, killed Sugar". Sugar was a collie dog. They point out that "barely any got in touch after he murdered two people".
Perhaps the last word should be left to the BBC "Lucas is a very damaged and dangerous individual who has created a twisted version of the Christian ‘faith’ in his mind".
Mark Alexander Bain - Mark Alexander Bain is a writer, Mo Bro and consultant for all aspects of software development at dsquared. He has also written regularly ...
