EastEnders airs shock verdict in Joel’s trial as soap ‘prepares for his return’
EastEnders is bringing Joel's storyline to a close but that may not be the end for the character, as the outcome of his trial is thought to be setting up his return
EastEnders airs verdict in Joel’s trial as soap ‘prepares for his return’(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Joel Marshall’s trial came to an end in tonight’s episode of EastEnders and some fans believe the verdict is making way for his return to the soap. The teen was put on trial after attacking his stepmum Vicki Fowler and filming his sexual encounter with Avani Nandra-Hart without her consent.
Since he arrived to Walford last year, Joel has become a much hated villain on the show. The character, played by Max Murray, believed that men were oppressed by women and needed to ‘take back their rightful place’ as the ‘dominant’ sex.
His beliefs ultimately meant he thought it was okay to sexually harass women on the train, beat up Vicki and not only film Avani without her consent, but spread the video around. Finally, after attacking Vicki, he was arrested. But he still needed to be convicted.
Joel Marshall faced the court in tonight’s episode(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
In scenes airing on 29 January, Vicki and Avani gave their statements from the witness box. During the trial, Joel seemed unaffected, even amused, by their accounts of what he did to them, but after his father Ross and friend Tommy both laid into him for his toxic and sexist beliefs, Joel had a change of heart.
The teenager ultimately changed his plea from innocent to guilty. As such, the judge decided his sentencing would come at a later date, after she had reviewed his file and background in light of his plea.
Fans wondered if the change of plea meant EastEnders were planning to bring Joel back to the Square in the future. One said: “Anyone else feel like they’re setting Joel up to reintegrate onto the square in a year’s time?”
Vicki struggled with Joel’s trial(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Another added: “Surely if Joel gets up to a year, he’d have to return at some point. Unless he dies in prison, Ross leaves or he moves in with Cleo.”
A third said they thought Max Murray’s performance had impressed the show runners enough to keep him around: “I’m glad that Joel didn’t get off and is going to get some repercussions for what he’s done.
“I’m guessing they’re setting up for a future return at some point – probably because they’ve been impressed by Max Murray and they want to keep him.”
After Joel’s verdict was handed down, Vicki and Avani were joined by their families in the Vic to celebrate the win. But Vicki was far from happy, sharing with everyone that Joel was a “lost and confused” boy that she felt sorry for. Some fans praised the show for Vicki’s display of compassion.
One said: “Vicki’s speech sums up the Joel storyline perfectly. These KIDS are victims. It’s so sad.” Another added: “Such a powerful scene! Despite everything Joel has put Vicki and the rest of his victims through – Vicki still slightly sympathises with him because deep down Joel’s a confused and deeply troubled young man who lost his way after a fractured upbringing.
But others felt it didn’t work, sharing that they thought it was too sympathetic towards Joel. “Ewww it was a really good episode until the end like why all of a sudden does Vicki have all this compassion and empathy for Joel?” one asked. “We’ve all seen the things he’s done and yeah that boy is evil. Lost and confuse ain’t gonna cut it he’s old enough to know better.”
