Langford on Soaps: Tariq is Bashed – By His Lover on "The LA Complex"

LANGFORDS PICKS AND PANS

Emmerdale

Am I the only one who was bothered by the discussion about Jackson during Adam and Aaron’s scenes? I guess Aaron was trying to make Adam realize that at some point in the future how he feels now about losing his father won’t hurt so badly, but those scenes just seemed like they were more about Aaron’s problems than Adam’s loss, which should have been the focal point. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

This show has a habit of making situations about Aaron when it shouldn’t be about him at all. For example, after Cain was beaten we had scenes of Aaron whining how it’s his fault that anyone he ever cares about leaves him. I know this show loves this character so they like to squeeze him into various stories when they can, but scenes like that just make Aaron seem terribly narcissistic and not very sympathetic. And I don’t think that’s the intent.

As for Aaron’s scenes with Ed, it’s far too early to judge if these two have chemistry or if they will mesh well. Though frankly, given how awkward and frosty scenes between Aaron and Jackson were - and they were supposed to be madly in love - it doesn’t bode well. Danny Miller has never looked comfortable playing romantic scenes with other men and I don’t think that will change. But it would be nice if this talented actor would fully embrace all aspects of the role that has brought him such acclaim.

Neighbours

I want to like these Chris and Aiden scenes more, I really do. The show has handled the storyline well up to this point. The writing is rather realistic, especially in regards to Chris’ nervousness and self-esteem issues about going out on a date with a man for the first time, and I loved Chris’ nervous rambling about what he and Aiden could do on their first date.

Aiden’s sweet and charming teasing of Chris was cute, and the flirtatious dialogue was adorable. These two make a sweet pair. And while some viewers weren’t happy that Chris and Aiden ended their first date with only a hug, to me it made perfect sense under the circumstances. But I still have a lot of problems with this storyline, some that I’ve already addressed, and I now have a new concern.

As I’ve mentioned before, Chris and Aiden have no chemistry. There's just no spark between these two very engaging actors. It doesn’t help that I have no idea why they would be interested in each other. Aiden’s interest in Chris seems especially far-fetched. It’s just hard for me to see why this self assured and experienced adult would be into a teenaged boy fresh out of the closet. Maybe if they had chemistry I could overlook it, but since they don’t, it’s just a question that I need answers to.