Dark Horse (first aired BBC1 22.1.2013)

[Katrina]

Discuss this episode here

[foxadoodle]

'Doctors' does like doing these dark, moody, film noir-ish storylines, and today's was a classic example. I'm not entirely sure I understood what was going on, but Naomi Radcliffe gave a fabulous performance. For me, Naomi will always be Kevin Webster's suicidal wife from 'Coronation Street' - she always seemed a few sandwiches short of a picnic in that as well.

But oh dear - we also had to have more chicken nonsense. Or rather tape recorded sound of chickens, and a cardboard box nonsense. I felt so sorry for the actors - Mandy, Chris and Howard were giving it their all, but I just wanted to smash through the screen and rescue them. It really is spoiling the show at the moment because whenever you have a dramatic scene, you then have to cut back to the chickens, and it just makes my heart sink.

I quite liked Emma's trip to the carers' group though. I'm intrigued to know where things are going with her paraplegic husband, and desperately hope it doesn't involve chickens.

[huffmaling]

I quite agree over the "Chicken" story line.Absolute rubbish,the writers and directors should hold an immediate inquiry into why the storyline ever made it to actual production.The actors are good enough but you can only go with the script.The programme needs fresh,meaty[both humour and pathos]storylines and soon!Ask Sally Wainright[Last Tango in Halifax] if she`s available.

[grace]

How I agree with everyone about the calibre of storyline at the moment. Having worked with stroke patients I am amazed that Sam can be so very ill at one moment and then be out and about within two weeks. Hpw I wish that was true! Where are we going with Mandy and the chickens? It was just an after Christmas break fill in and if the writers aren`t careful viewing figures will be down and the probramme will be cut. Sadly I havent been too upset if I`ve missed an episode lately.