Opinion: ‘Too much of a good thing’ – Emmerdale needs to limit flashbacks and special episodes before they lose effect

Emmerdale has recently been airing a fair few special, ‘one-off format’ episodes over the course of the last year.

We’ve seen episodes focus on Belle and Tom’s abuse storyline as well as flashbacks to Ruby’s abuse at the hands of Anthony.

With another special episode on the way, as well as flashbacks to Anthony’s death appearing on screen, the soap runs the risk of having too much of a good thing.

Emmerdale special episodes over the last year

Over the last year, the soap has aired several special episodes. We’ve seen Belle and Tom’s abuse storyline have a couple of special episodes including a dinner party from Hell and also an hour-long episode which showed the jury decide on Tom’s fate.

We’ve also had more recent special episodes focus solely on Moira’s brain surgery, and Jacob’s first day on placement in A&E.

One special episode included several flashbacks to Ruby Fox-Miligan’s 16th birthday. This revealed that her dad Anthony sexually abused her. It was later revealed that he was the biological father of Steph.

This week, changes to the usual format have also aired as John experiences flashbacks to Anthony’s death. His death was actually teased in flashforwards at the beginning of last week… So much time jumping, right?

We’ve also (yes there’s more) had five flash forward scenes given to use at the very beginning of the New Year. This teased what’s to come in 2025.

And there’s also another special episode next week. The truth about what really happened to missing April Windsor is finally revealed. Right, now we can catch a breath.

Opinion: Special episodes and flashbacks should be used sparingly

As you can see, there have been a lot of ‘special’ episodes recently. But, we can’t help but feel as though these episodes lose their special meaning if they happen so often.

‘Special’ episodes should be used sparingly so that we’re all excited at a rare break to the format rather than thinking ‘not another one…’

There is no denying that when Emmerdale does do a special episode, it’s executed really well. These episodes give an insight into major events. And, they help shed light on some really important issues and topics.

But, having so many special episodes or special features (whether that be flashbacks or flashforwards) runs the risk of losing the impact the episodes should have.

It almost seems like the soap will consist of more special episodes than the usual, daily episodes that make it a soap soon if the pattern keeps continuing.

Soaps are soaps and not Hollywood movies after all! We’re not saying we want all special aspects to be scrapped… But, they could just be used here and there to really provide that WOW factor.

Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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