Two-hander

A Two-hander is a play, film or television programme in which only two characters appear. While they can sometimes be in the form of conflict, they can also be in a position of harmony and the script explores the nuances of the relationship between the two.

Two-hander episodes have become a tradition in EastEnders over the years, featuring more episodes with this kind of regime than any other drama series. It all started in October 1986, when Episode 174 featured the characters Den and Angie Watts and Den and Angie only. The turbulence and drama that came with the episode set off for a legacy of a two-hander, three-hander, four-hander and even single-hander episodes in the future! All in all EastEnders has featured twenty-one two-hander episodes, six three-hander episodes and ten four-hander episodes.

However, the most significant episode created under this regime has to be the 2008 single episode titled Pretty Baby which featured no other character than Dorothy Branning. The plotline for the episode was straightforward but beautifully written by Tony Jordan and performed by June Brown. The episode saw Dot recording a cassette tape of her memories for her husband Jim and attracted 8.7 million viewers. June was also nominated for the Best TV Actress award for her portrayal of Dot in this episode.

Other popular drama series' such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale have not been so eager to follow this dramatic style with only two episodes to date in both drama series' that have broadcasted this kind of regime.