Casualty, series 31, "Too Old for This Shift"

Hi, I'm Charlie, a young aspiring journalist. Finally I've plucked up the courage to blog, and I can't think of a better TV show to review than the highly anticipated 30th anniversary episode of Casualty. For thirty years the medical drama has given us "blood, guts and gore galore!" Without a shadow of doubt will it continue to act as a springboard for ambitious television and lunch pad for successful careers in the TV industry,

I've been a Casualty fan since I was little. My sister even had a cameo in an episode. However, for whatever reason, I stopped watching when production moved from Bristol (my hometown) to Cardiff. That was until around this time last year when my passion for the programme was refuelled by the dramatic aftermath of the explosion at Zoe and Max's wedding. I honestly haven't missed a single episode since. 

Anyway, my initial response to Saturday's feature-length episode: "Wow." 

Last night's episode was emotional to say the least. My heart was racing for the entire hour and 40 minutes; my head: full of questions. Is Connie OK? Where's Grace? Will anyone die? The episode had me on the edge of my seat right from the very beginning. Luckily,a tissue box was nearby to wipe away any tears.

What a cliffhanger

The episode delivered non-stop Hollywood standard action. It was must see TV. From a tragic car cash that left us praying for Connie and Grace's lives, to a jaw-dropping helicopter crash that buried Ethan and Alicia under rubble. Frankly, it was a miracle that all our favourites made it out alive.


The surprise return of some familiar faces was a treat for fans. I was particularly excited to see Josh again. Once he put on that hi-visibility jacket, there was no going back. I must say, Charlie, Duffy and Josh are the bee's knees of the ED. It was equally as lovely to catch up with the likes of Abs, Comfort and Tess, even if their appearances were limited to a video message. Shout out to Big Mac for drinking from the bottle!

Amira (the agency nurse/Zoe Hanna's doppelganger) was a nasty piece of work. She even had the cheek to insult our beloved Charlie. Nobody messes with Nurse Fairhead and get away with it! Credit to Derek Thompson for another BAFTA-worthy performance. In my eyes, his character is and forever will be the shining star of Casualty.

Zoe?

It was a pleasant surprise to see "Pat from EastEnders" (real name Pam St. Clement) hit our screens again, even if she played one the grumpiest characters to grace the ED. Though I found her story line heartwarming, I wouldn't want one of her "strawberry bon bons." 

Henrik grates on my nerves. The way he whispered in Charlie's ear reminded me of Slugworth from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The character is as useless as tits on a bull. Jacob also stooped to a new low. Threatening a minor and referring to Charlie as "old man" was certainly a low point in his flagging career. No way was he getting through the dream team.

Charlie's angels

All in all, the episode was a corker. Let's all pray and hope that Grace survives.