When these complicated storylines go on for ages, I lose track. As I've said before, I only half watch anyway, which is my own fault, but I tend to be clearing up after dinner or doing life admin at that time, and the stories can usually be followed with half an eye/ear.
I don't know about anyone else, but I could do with a flashback or recap of the events that have led us to where we are with Lauren, Nathan, Joel, Kit et al. How are they all linked? Are they all linked?
My take on it is as follows. If anyone can correct any misconceptions please, that would be great:
Sarah is Bethany's mum, and Bethany was abused by Nathan, so Sarah tried to frame him for something he may or may not have done when on parole. Kit aided and abetted her in this endeavour, for reasons so far unknown.
Nathan is somehow connected to Joel, who has been abusing Lauren in a similar manner. Lauren has given birth to Joel's baby, who was conceived by sexual abuse, after he tried to induce an abortion, and after he physically assaulted Lauren. Joel is an unmitigated rotter, and his fiancé Dee Dee has got wise to this, albeit a bit late in the day, given that she is an intelligent woman used to dealing with criminals.
Daniel, who had a relationship with Bethany, has suspicions about Kit, who is a policeman, and also Bernie's long lost son. I share these suspicions, but wonder if there is a double bluff going on.
Is there a ring of abusers in the area? Is Kit in the pay of this ring, or is he a member of it? Or is he investigating it and primed to continue as a rozzer when they are all bang to rights?
DS Swain is the mother of Betsy, who is blackmailing Joel, so is also at risk from the possible ring. This will probably end badly, as Betsy is a peripheral character, and very annoying, so is likely to be a candidate for collateral damage, the trauma of which could propel her mother into the arms of Carla, who is currently living the life of a single woman whilst her alcoholic husband and stepson are sailing round the world.
Phew.