The Appeal of the SOAPS - what is their secret?

I’m not ashamed to admit that I like a good Soap.   I find my favourites  entertaining, irritating, embarrassing, interesting and even educational, depending upon their current themes. 

The thing about a Soap is that an important issue, such as abortion, can be dealt with in a sensitive manner, enabling people to see through the eyes of the unfortunate young woman dealing with the trauma as well as the response of parents and friends who may disagree with her decision and be shocked by the pregnancy. 

Episodes relating to racism can also be dramatised to good effect, causing us to reconsider our views and why we have them.  Even religious views can be aired and impressions given for better or for worse.  In subtle ways Soaps influence the opinion of the masses and they have a great responsibility in this which outweighs the need to gain an audience at any cost. 

Of course this is life through a magnifying glass, so murder is committed, adultery is commonplace, people abuse one another and there is much intolerance, self sacrifice,love, loyalty, and plain hypocrisy laid bare as part of everyday lives. The need to capture a wide audience dictates a fast pace - and it can be an effort to keep up. 

In spite of their longevity, and perhaps because of it, Soaps are addictive and also they attract a loyal following.  Actors who play bad characters are often treated badly in public as people confuse reality with fantasy.  Of course there is nothing new in this, nor is it only TV soaps that become more real than life.  Many years ago a radio serial called ‘The Archers’ featured the death of one of the main actresses in a fire in a stable.  People mourned her death and even sent flowers.  

Because of this, perhaps in the final analysis, they give us hope and that may be just what we need in these difficult times.