Many Emmerdale viewers were quick to call out actors featured in tonight's episode for 'bad acting' as they dubbed the half hour show 'depressing'.
Their views came in an episode which was preceded by an ITV warning at the start for possible distressing content.
During the show, we got to see angry part-time staff outside the HOP protest after Kim Tate plans to bring in zero-hour contracts along with Marlon's anticipated return home after suffering from a stroke. Although there weren't many members participating in the protest, the angry workers held up painted signs and chanted 'no to zero-hours' as they refused to work until Kim changed her mind.
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Furious that businessman Jai Sharma couldn't control the situation, Kim demotes him to the position of waiter at The Hide until he can get them back under control. Later on, the protesters start to deter people from entering, which enrages Kim who demands Jai step up his tactics to try and get the staff back inside.
However, standing up for himself, Jai slammed Kim as he states that the workers 'deserve more', Jai decides to join them as a sign of solidarity. Although people watching the show were distracted by the workers they'd never seen before in the protest.
One person said: "I didn't know Kim employed so many kids from central casting"
Another added: "Kim: these two random people cannot strike because it’s the first time I’ve seen them? #Emmerdale "
Someone else commented: "Two more extras we’ve never seen before! #Emmerdale "
A fourth viewer said: "Who are these people, you’ve never see work there #emmerdale "
Although a few people liked that more extras were being used in scenes to make it 'feel more real' many criticized the decision to include people that we've not seen before.
When Marlon returned home, some viewers were moved to tears as he learns to adjust to his new life at home.
However, many slammed the 'depressing' storyline as they stated soaps are meant to be a place for 'escapism' while other called out the acting for being 'stilted'.
One person who was replying to another viewer crying over Marlon's return said: "In real-life, I would be. But it's being very badly acted & I'm fed up with all the depressing storylines of late."
Another added: "Is it just me or is the acting stilted tonight, like they have only just been given their lines and had 2 minutes to learn them? #Emmerdale"
While a third commented: "I do wish they weren't running this ridiculous storyline with #Marlon in #Emmerdale. Not only is it silly - it's also DEPRESSING! Whatever happened to escapism in the soaps ffs??? @emmerdale"
Despite their views, a lot of people have called the Marlon storyline 'important' for raising awareness around strokes.
Emmerdale continues tomorrow on ITV at 7:30pm
