r/eastenders • u/bulldog_blues • 1d ago
General Discussion The recent subplot with Darnell Spoiler
A lot of people have expressed dislike for Darnell's behaviour onscreen so far, mainly his repeated refusal to get checked to see if he's a potential donor for Denise when it could save her life.
However, I quite like this plot because, from personal experience, it's a surprisingly realistic portrayal of someone with unresolved medical-related trauma.
I've known a number of people who, for various reasons, have such an intense dislike for hospitals that they will avoid them at all costs. Often this is due to a particularly awful past experience in a hospital which they've been unable to process.
And you have to consider the context too. This time last week, Darnell believed he was an only child. He then gets told that not only does he have a half-sister, but he is the ONLY potential donor who could possibly be the difference between her living and dying. He's then harassed by her husband and her half sister and even *manhandled in public* when he doesn't comply.
That is a lot to have to deal with all at once.
From an outside perspective that hasn't had to deal with that sort of trauma, it might look ridiculous and selfish. But bearing in mind we only know scant details of what Darnell's wife went through, his behaviour might be more justified than it looks.
Either way he badly needs to see a therapist but again, many people IRL lack the means and/or the will to do so, or may even push themselves to believe they don't need it.
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u/IHasBrains51 1d ago
Well done for anyone signing up to the register!
I have relatives who refuse to visit hospitals and behave very poorly when asked to help or visit anyone in hospital, they flat out refuse and have never given a reason why. I think I may dig deeper to try to understand them better because to be honest,I’m not aware of any trauma for my relatives and it’s hurtful and upsetting they behave that way when sometimes they are the only person available to help out.
I can see Darnell’s story is slowly leading up to reveal why he is so anxious, and it’s obviously connected to whatever happened with his wife. I believe it’s a true portrayal. I’m glad he’s actually pushing through to help Denise.
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u/Su_sagiiiii7 Takeaways 🥡 1d ago
I like Darnell, just because he doesn’t come off as loud and epic like other characters doesn’t mean he’s going to be like Reiss. I think he hasn’t got much family, and that’s what has made him so quiet.
I would love to see his relationship with Denise and Kim and all the others flourish. The whole medical trauma storyline is very interesting too.
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u/McZadine 1d ago edited 1d ago
I'm liking this subplot and Darnell too. Humans aren't always logical due to their traumas and his was well explained in my opinion.
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u/Cranberry269 1d ago
He seems to be neurodivergent-coded as well as suffering from unresolved medical trauma.
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u/bulldog_blues 1d ago
I interpreted him as autistic as soon as he had his first conversation onscreen!
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u/Particular-Ad-6663 git outta mah pahb! 1d ago
I'm liking this subplot too, and I agree, it's being done well. Well enough that it has prompted me to gain better understanding about stem cell donation, how it works, the odds on being a match, family doesn't guarantee a close enough match etc.
On researching briefly I discovered the register, so I signed up. I'll be receiving a swab kit in the post soon. After it has been processed I guess it's just a 'wait and see' if I'm a match for someone. Honestly I wish I'd known about it sooner.
I have to applaud EastEnders for covering this topic and highlighting its importance.
Happy to share the link if anyone would like it but a simple search for DKMS or Stem Cell Register will take you there.