Following its impressive triumph in 2018, Casualty is in the running for another BAFTA this year – and it's not hard to see why.
After a strong start to the series, the show is firing on all cylinders at the moment with a rich mix of stories that are keeping the audience gripped. Here, we take a look at all the things Casualty is currently nailing.
1. Iain’s depression story
Top of the list has to be Iain’s heartbreaking mental health story. Throughout the course of this series, Casualty has been exploring the sad, serious and highly topical subject matter of male depression with Iain, which kicked off after Sam Nicholls tragically lost her life last year.
Iain’s harrowing story eventually saw him try and take his own life, but it was actually the aftermath of this that stood out the most. While fans feared that Iain’s struggles would fade into the background afterwards, the show later triumphed with a special instalment that was dedicated almost solely to his story.
The painfully poignant and perfectly pitched scenes took place over a month and saw Iain start to rebuild his life in the wake of everything that had happened. While it’s clear his journey won't completely be parked there, no one can argue that Casualty didn’t go above and beyond to depict his struggles from start to finish. And it’s certainly one we won't be forgetting in a hurry.
2. Duffy and Charlie back at the forefront
Casualty’s other big storyline might have had a slower, more frustrating, build-up, but has continuously tugged at our heartstrings all the same. We always knew this was going to be a big series for show stalwarts Duffy and Charlie, but what we didn't know was that it would be quite so devastating in the process.
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Although Duffy’s story actually dates all the way back to last October, she's only recently been given the dementia diagnosis she was dreading. And while Casualty has undoubtedly aired some proper tear-jerkers with this (with many more still to come), the story has rightfully brought both Duffy and Charlie back to where they belong at the forefront of the show. It’s also allowed Cathy Shipton to flex her acting muscles properly for the first time since she returned.
The good news is that Chuffy reunite this weekend. The bad news is that the worst is still yet to come.
3. Long-running, issue-based stories
One of the major differences to Casualty’s format in recent years has to be its diligent focus on long-running stories with the regulars, particularly when it comes to physical and mental health. In the fast-paced world of TV land, it can be all too easy to explore an issue-based story, reap the praise and never mention it again. However, Casualty has avoided this pitfall lately by showing much stronger aftermaths.
In addition to Iain and Duffy's stories above, Dylan’s alcoholism story has been repeatedly revisited other the last few years, while the show never forgets David's mental health problems, either.
Fans are also seeing Connie struggle with anxiety and PTSD in the wake of her horrifying attack earlier this year, with the show wanting to highlight the dangers of not seeking help when it’s needed.
4. Using the paramedics
When Digital Spy spoke to (outgoing) show boss Lucy Raffety back in 2017, she told us that one of her biggest aims was to make better use of the paramedics. And it's fair to say that she’s well and truly delivered.
Fast forward a few years and we’ve been introduced to newbies Ruby and Jan, seen Iain's sad story unfold, and, more recently, been treated to a groundbreaking episode dedicated to the ambulance team, which explored the difficulties and extraordinary aspects of human life that the inspirational clan face every single day.
A greater use of the paramedics has taken the show back to its roots and made it feel old school again – and we hope it’s here to stay.
5. New cast additions
With a handful of exits lately (and possibly a few more on the way), there's no doubt that the ED was in desperate need of some fresh blood, and Archie and Will were just what the doctor ordered.
The feuding fremenies, played by the brilliant Genesis Lynea and Jack Nolan, have fitted into the ED so harmoniously that we’re struggling to remember the ED without them. And what’s better is that there’s so much more to come from these two as well.
Prior to this, we were introduced to another warring duo in the form of new nurses Jade and Marty, who feel like they've been in the show forever. Jade and Marty's arrivals also injected a much needed sense of fun in the show, which has acted as a refreshing break from some of the heavier stories mentioned above.
6. Being more unpredictable
We all love a spoiler, but we’ve been learning to expect the unexpected where Casualty is concerned lately. Keen to avoid being too formulaic, Casualty has become all the more unpredictable in recent years, with a range of surprise exits, shock deaths, flashbacks, and sporadic stunts in the mix.
Never knowing what to expect has meant viewers are more likely to be kept on the edge of their seats from the beginning of the episode to the end. After 33 years, that's a pretty impressive achievement.
7. More Holby crossovers
We’re not just talking about the much-hyped crossover special last month. While that was an undeniably epic treat for the fans, it’s the sprinkling of seamless crossover scenes we've been enjoying – from Fletch popping up in a meeting a few weeks ago, and Jac embroiling herself in Ethan’s problems last year.
They might be a logistical nightmare for the cast and crew, but these exciting inserts remind viewers that the two shows are in-universe and are a great way of bringing the two fandoms together. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Jac pop up more often?
Casualty continues on Saturday, May 4 on BBC One.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
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