EastEnders fans furious as Mark attacks Ryder to protect his affair with Lauren
EastEnders fans have condemned Mark after Ned blackmails him over his affair with Lauren and orders him to attack Ryder.
EastEnders viewers have been left furious with Mark Branning after he attacked Ryder Hawkins, carrying out Ned's orders because he feared his secret affair with Lauren would be exposed.
Tuesday's episode saw Mark meet Ned privately after Ned revealed that he knew about Mark and Lauren's relationship. Ned used that knowledge to force Mark into doing what he wanted, leaving Mark facing a choice between protecting his secret and refusing to become involved in Ned's latest scheme.
Lauren had already urged Mark to do whatever it took to keep their affair hidden, but the consequences of that decision became far more serious when Ryder was targeted.
The attack has provoked a strong response from viewers, who believe Mark has allowed his fear of losing Lauren to override any consideration for Ryder's safety. One online commenter wrote : “Mark is disgusting. He didn't have to do this and only did it because he thinks Lauren will leave him if the affair comes out.”
Another viewer focused on Ned's willingness to use his own son as part of the scheme, writing: “Whoa how low can Ned go, setting up his own son.”
A third comment highlighted the danger Ryder now faces, with the viewer saying they felt sorry for him and hoped he would eventually be able to live openly without fearing Ned.
The anger surrounding the storyline comes from the contrast between Mark's motivation and Ryder's vulnerability. Mark is desperate to protect his relationship with Lauren, while Ryder is already dealing with the pressure of having a father who tries to control his life and decisions.
Ned's manipulation is central to the situation, but Mark has still made the decision to carry out the order.
His actions could also put his relationship with Lauren in a different light if she discovers exactly what he did to protect their secret.
With viewers questioning both men's behaviour, the fallout could leave Mark facing consequences that go well beyond the affair he is so desperate to conceal.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Image credit: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron
