Just one year on from her welcome return to EastEnders, Sam Mitchell made yet another black cab departure – something that has long been synonymous with many an emotional Walford exit.
Sam’s farewell was indeed a moving affair, as she embraced son Ricky Jr (Frankie Day) and promised to keep in touch from Spain – where she plans to work and earn money for his future.
But with confirmation that star Kim Medcalf will be back playing her popular role, we’ve been left pondering what’s next for lost soul Sam when she steps back onto Albert Square.
It has to be said, her initial reintroduction was rather rocky. Intent on making her mark, Sam’s secret agenda saw her try to dismantle big brother Phil’s (Steve McFadden) empire. For the little sister who had never been taken seriously enough, it was a believable plot twist.
Yet while Sam was busy conspiring against her ‘faaaamily’, she also took a seemingly cold stance where Ricky Jr was concerned, which did nothing to help her case in the eyes of viewers. We all knew that Sam had more warmth to her than that.
Then a fling with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) brought up genuine feelings, before a chance to reconnect with ex-husband Ricky Butcher (Sid Owen) provided enough nostalgia to remind us of the old Sam. She began to bond with her son, and supported his half-sister Amy (Ellie Dadd) upon discovering that she was self-harming.
This was a turning point for Sam. But, in between looking out for Amy and becoming a confidant for Zack amid his HIV diagnosis, she has been underappreciated by those closest to her.
Phil may have had a right to be furious over Sam’s scheming, but he’s certainly done worse over the years and his constant dismissal of Sam as she tried to impress him was sad to watch.
Even when he eventually brought her back into the fold, he simply couldn’t be bothered to act like the sibling she needed.
It’s about time that changed. Phil previously made a point of sharing a touching heart-to-heart with his troubled son Ben (Max Bowden), and there’s no reason not to go there with Sam.
There have been brief moments where their relationship almost fell back into focus; but an honest conversation between Sam and Phil is still long overdue.
On the subject of family ties, EastEnders showed us a first glimpse of Sam’s childhood during a flashback episode last Autumn.
Of course, the spotlight was on Phil (played as a young man by Daniel Delaney) as a secret was unearthed; while his defining moment came when standing up to their violent father Eric (George Russo).
But as mum Peggy (played here by Jaime Winstone) explained to a young Sam (Laila Murphy) that her place was at home, not alongside her much older brothers, we got the sense that Sam’s inferiority complex might have stemmed from those very words.
Whether the show chooses to revisit Mitchell history via another flashback, or simply through a proper chat between Sam and Phil, we want to see what makes Sam tick and watch the pair find common ground once more.
One of her most memorable moments in recent weeks saw Sam confess to scathing former sister-in-law Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) just how lonely she felt.
While a brilliant new friendship began to emerge with another in-law, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton), there wasn’t nearly enough exploration into Sam’s feelings of isolation and this should be revisited.
Her scenes with Honey were a breath of fresh air, though; so please, EastEnders, don’t forget this brilliant new double act.
We have the same request for Sam’s platonic bond with Zack, as he delivered a heartfelt thank you for all she had done for him.
It’s also important that Sam’s promise to be there for Ricky Jr is honoured. Kim’s sensitive portrayal of a mother who was out of her depth, but who ultimately wanted to be with her child, deserves to be nurtured and developed; so let’s hope Sam isn’t gone for too long as Ricky Jr prepares for fatherhood at such a young age.
Those gentle scenes with him, as well as those Sam shared with Amy and Zack, proved that she has all the makings of a modern-day Mitchell matriarch – more so than any over the top plotting ever could.
She’s got a heart of gold, and her fighting spirit and that feisty glint in her eye is more than enough attitude for the daughter of the much-loved Peggy (Dame Barbara Windsor).
Kim’s dedicated performances over the past few months have teased just how much potential there is for Sam, as an integral part of the Mitchell dynasty and beyond. Upon her homecoming, EastEnders owes this iconic character the chance to thrive at last.
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