The tragic legacy of the Queen Vic roof continues to haunt the Branning family in EastEnders, as a painful anniversary threatens to drive a permanent wedge between a father and his children.
A Roof with a Deadly History
For the Brannings, particularly the offspring of Max Branning (Jake Wood), the rooftop of Walford's iconic pub is a place of profound tragedy. The family's curse began in 2010 with the death of Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements). The devastating cycle repeated in the 2017 Christmas Day special, when Max's suicidal climb prompted his daughters, Lauren and Abi, to follow.
In a heart-stopping sequence, Lauren slipped on the wet surface. As Abi tried to save her, both sisters were pulled from the roof's edge. While Lauren eventually recovered, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) was declared brain dead and her life support was switched off, marking another devastating loss for the fractured family.
A Family Fractured, Not Forgotten
In the years since Abi's death, unity has been in short supply. Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and her brother Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) have grown incredibly close, and Lauren's marriage to Peter Beale has successfully merged two major Walford dynasties. Max, however, has been firmly left out in the cold.
His recent returns to the Square have only sown more discord. After a brief appearance at Lauren and Peter's surprise wedding, he caused his trademark carnage. A subsequent visit saw tensions explode when he discovered Lauren, Oscar, and Jack had concealed the existence of his secret daughter with Linda Carter. Topping it off, sleeping with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and ruining his grandson Jimmy's christening solidified his status as persona non grata.
Memorial Plans Spark Fresh Conflict
Next week, as the anniversary of Abi's passing looms, Lauren and Oscar plan a memorial for their sister. In a tentative olive branch, Oscar reaches out to Max, inviting him to meet and discuss the arrangements. Eager to reconnect, Max agrees.
True to form, however, Max's good intentions go awry. An accidental date with newcomer Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) makes him incredibly late for the crucial family meeting. His tardiness gives Lauren and Oscar more fuel for their belief that he is a hopeless father, leaving them furious.
As preparations for the memorial continue, bringing together the Branning and Beale clans, Lauren's frostiness toward Max turns to ice. She delivers a crushing blow, telling him he is not welcome to attend the service, leaving Max deeply wounded by his exclusion.
In a later, emotional move, Max approaches his children with a piece of paper. It is a speech he had written for the memorial, and he humbly asks if one of them might read it on his behalf. This poignant gesture poses a critical question: will Max's words finally begin to thaw Lauren's hardened heart, or will the deep rift between them remain unbridgeable?
Given the explosive flashforward episode that revealed Max and Lauren are still on bad terms in 2027, every interaction between them is now loaded with significance. As this painful anniversary unfolds, viewers are left to wonder if this family can ever truly heal, or if Max's mistakes have caused damage that is beyond repair.
