The Return of Jake Moon Revives Questions About Danny's Fate
The unexpected reappearance of Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) in EastEnders has reignited interest in the mysterious whereabouts of his younger brother, Danny Moon (Jake Maskall). Jake's dramatic return to Albert Square this week forms part of the ongoing search for Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), who disappeared without trace following Christmas celebrations.
Kat Moon's Desperate Plea and a Family Mystery
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) believes that Chrissie holds crucial information that could exonerate Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), who currently faces arrest for the suspected murder of Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey). Knowing that Jake previously had a relationship with Chrissie, Kat implored him to return to Walford and assist her and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) in their quest to locate the missing woman and secure Zoe's freedom.
Alfie, who had long believed his cousin Jake to be deceased, demanded explanations about the past. This conversation naturally turned towards the subject of Danny Moon and his current location. Jake's visible discomfort when discussing his brother immediately raised suspicions among viewers, prompting renewed curiosity about this troubled character's ultimate fate.
Danny Moon's Tumultuous Arrival in Walford
Danny Moon first appeared in EastEnders in 2004 alongside his older brother Jake. Their sudden arrival in Albert Square created immediate tension with Alfie Moon, who had established himself as a Walford mainstay. This animosity stemmed from Alfie having previously taken responsibility for credit card fraud committed by the Moon brothers, resulting in his imprisonment.
Criminal Connections and Dangerous Alliances
The dark truth behind the brothers' relocation to Walford soon emerged: they worked for Johnny Allen (Billy Murray), the formidable crime boss who dominated London's underworld at that time. Johnny ordered Jake and Danny to remain in the area after they botched a job, reassigning them to work under Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs).
Danny's volatile temperament and impulsive nature created immediate friction with Andy, leading to escalating tensions between the two men. This conflict reached its climax when Andy manipulated Danny into a perilous situation. Johnny Allen subsequently intervened in dramatic fashion, murdering Andy Hunter to resolve the dispute.
A Descent Into Darkness and Ultimate Betrayal
Fearing he would become Johnny's next target, Danny attempted to demonstrate his strength by setting fire to the crime boss's home. Horrified by this reckless act, Jake urged immediate escape before Johnny discovered their involvement. However, Johnny intercepted their plans, driving the brothers to a secluded woodland area with the intention of executing Danny.
From Survival to Murderer
In a surprising twist, Johnny spared both brothers after Jake's desperate pleading. Following a brief absence from screens, Danny returned to Walford clearly working for Johnny Allen. As payment for his spared life, Danny committed one of EastEnders' most devastating murders: killing Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) in cold blood.
Danny's behavior grew increasingly concerning as he was tasked with protecting Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) while Johnny dealt with the Mitchell brothers' quest for revenge. His unwavering loyalty to his former enemy deeply troubled Jake, who recognized that the situation was spiraling dangerously out of control.
The Tragic Conclusion in the Woods
The brothers' conflict reached its devastating climax when Danny took Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) hostage in the woods. Armed with a shovel and gun, he prepared to eliminate the Mitchell brothers permanently. In a moment of desperate intervention, Jake arrived just in time and shot his own brother, though he has since claimed the fatal outcome was unintentional.
A Secret Buried for Decades
Consumed by guilt, Jake buried Danny's body in the woods and maintained the secret for years. Alfie Moon remained completely unaware of his cousin's true fate, even believing Jake himself to be dead for decades. With Jake's recent return to Walford, viewers now wonder whether the truth about Danny's demise will finally emerge and what consequences this revelation might bring for the Moon family.
The complex legacy of Danny Moon continues to haunt EastEnders, serving as a reminder of the show's capacity for dark family drama and shocking betrayals that resonate long after characters have departed the screen.
